Visual Blogging – Emotional Design: The Four-Leaf Clover

To find a four-leaf clover is to find a rare source of good luck since it has been estimated that 10,000 three-leaf clovers exist for every one four-leaf clover. The clover's Celtic status as an omen of good luck can be found in history from Eve to Sir John Melton, who wrote in 1620:

"If a man walking in the fields find any four-leaved grass, he shall in a small while after find some good thing."

On a visceral level, the four-leaf clover is warm and inviting with its bold green color and nearly symmetrical four corners. The clover is a familiar design featured on countless T-shirts, mugs and it is even the logo of the National 4-H Council. When looking at the clover through the behavioral level, the viewer can possibly remember searching for the plant as a child.

Visual Blogging -- Emotional Design: The Black Belt

The black belt is a simple garment signaling a high degree of competence in most Japanese and Korean martial arts.

The black belt is the highest belt color a martial artist can attain and with it, the belt often commands respect, reverence and perseverance.

While functioning to hold the student’s uniform together, students often start with a white belt to signify a readiness to acquire an understanding of the art. The darker the color, the more knowledge attained.

Achieving a black belt often takes up to six years of dedicated study.

Photo Credit: Choi Kwang Do

Visual Blogging - Emotional Design: The Purple Heart

The Purple Heart is America's oldest military decoration and arguably the world’s most famous. Initially created by Gen. George Washington, the badge is awarded to military members wounded or killed during a war.

The medal works on a reflective level since the viewer equates the medal with valor and sacrifice during war. It serves as a link and a reminder to those military members who served during wars. George Washington, who originally designated the Purple Heart as the Badge of Military Merit wrote, in part:

“the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over the left breast, the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. Not only instances of unusual gallantry, but also of extraordinary fidelity and essential service in any way shall meet with a due reward.”

Photo Credit: Sam Dean, the Roanoke Times.