Task 4 - Communication Theory.


Shannon and Weaver's Mathematic Theory of Communication was developed through the Second World War as they were trying to find new ways in which the 'channels' of communication could be more efficient. They mainly used the telephone and radio waves to do so. This theory was created to show the way in which it works, of which they claimed could be used in any form of social communication. They broke the theory down into 5 different sections: Information/Source - Transmitter (Encoder) - Channel - Receiver (Decoder) - Destination.

The idea of The Shannon Weaver model can be used to look at the social relationships within communication in graphic design. It begins with the initial transmission of the message and how the receiver will interpret/decode the message, which relies on the way in which the message is communicated through the channel/media you chose.

For example the brand 'Yorkshire Tea' their initial message they want to transmit is the idea of comforting, genuine, wholesome tea and therefore relates it to a 'good' channel/media of relating it to Yorkshire of which the receiver they are aiming to target can relate the message.

Also like the design of the packaging below for Kettle Crisps, the message they are trying to portray is the idea they are 'better' quality crisps/ healthier. They have done this through using what we would call natural colours which suggest that the contents are also natural. Which would successfully target their audience of people whom are either conscious of their weight and want to be healthier or the upper class people all of which who enjoy crisps.

Designs for anti smoking ads also fit into the Shannon & Weaver model as they are transmitting the idea of getting 'hooked' once you start smoking. They have done this in a negative way through using the semiotic of being a fish and the imagery portrays a negative/painful image of what it is like. They have successfully targeted their receiver as they can relate to the feeling of the campaign therefor it is works as a piece of graphic design and communicates well. 

Feedback on Essay
Thinks to look at:

- Re-structure the essay and start with defining hyperreality
- Take out 'slang' phrase
- Try not to make it a conversational essay

My Essay on Hyperreality

Options for my essay title: 

• A society heavily influenced by the hyperreal.
• A society built upon the hyperreal.
• the effects of hyperreality on a modern day consumer society
• a 'fake' society built on hyperreality
• an interpretation of the real. - i think this one is my favourite.

I want to talk about hyperreality and link in the writers views/ opinions, and also how the hyperreal creates/enlarges the consumer societies expectations and wants. 

Change of idea!! 

I have decided to look on how the hyperreal has created a whole new 'world' as it were, how the real has been interpreted to create a hyperreal of which is then effecting the real and the society living in it.

Also how the consumer society is affecting the hyper real and how the hyper real is then making the consumer society want more from it.

Idea.. 

i am thinking of researching into Baudrillard's and other writers views on hyperreality, and then linking this to the film Inception.

As within the film inception they create a whole new world influenced by their initial surroundings. Recreating the real and creating the hyperreal.

Action Plan. 

Look in depth into the idea of Hyper Reality.

Find as many introductory texts on Baudrillard

Look into other writers and their views

Explain Hyper Reality