Meaning

Representation:

This Audubon bird sketch is a prime example of representative design. It is a visual message that is tied to this particular type of bird in order to help bird watchers and ornithologists identify this specific type of bird when the time comes. It conveys a great amount of realistic detail because when it comes to differentiating between specific species, loss of detail could mean the difference between the visual message being "this specific type of bird" to "birds in general" which ultimately has a much more general range spanning from wrens to eagles. This representational image has as little interaction with the abstraction level as possible to preserve realism, but in a sense, it does interact a bit with the symbolic because it has so many connotations being associated with nature lovers, educated people, and the concepts of things like conservation and wildlife preservation.

Symbolism:

This pair of crossing signals are symbols for both crossing and not crossing an intersection. Over time, these symbols have become attached to more meanings than their original intended usage. They become associated with safety, the urban environment, and even the time and part of the world that these particular crossing signals are used. For example, a crossing signal might be fairly universal, but one wearing a hat would represent Tokyo while a animated one might represent Taiwan. This symbol, in an effort to be as clear as possible to all people regardless of cultural awareness to understand interacts heavily with the abstraction level simplifying human form until it tells the viewer that the sign is generally for all human beings.

Abstraction:

Big Bird is a great example of abstraction. The character is meant to invoke birds in general and simplifies the concept to a large animal with a beak, talons, and feathers. A creature of too much complexity would likely not be as relatable as the creators of the show would want it to be. As a result of this, the design of Big Bird has also interacted with the level of symbolism becoming associated in our collective consciousness with things like childhood and innocence.