Not long ago, we discussed the benefits of 'anthropomorphization' - that is, assigning human-like qualities to a non-human being (or an inanimate object, for that matter!).
But what about doing the opposite? And when would you ever need to?
Although there are several words denoting something semantically opposite, it's challenging to pin down an ideal term. Therefore, we'll be calling it 'dehumanization.'
Negative (psychological or political?) connotations aside, 'dehumanization' in this particular context would be something akin to what you're seeing in the accompanying screenshot, lifted directly from the log-in screen of "Cinerific," a media streaming app.
More specifically, I'd like to direct your attention to the avatars - 'Steve,' 'Martin,' 'Janny' and 'Guest' - at the bottom of the screen, situated right below the app's titular logo. As you may have noticed, none of the cartoony avatars - albeit clearly depicting humans - have been bestowed with actual faces.
Although this may, at first inkling, give the impression that lacking effort, or - God forbid - lacking inspiration is at play on the designer's part, the truth is the contrary. How so?
Precisely BECAUSE the avatars do not possess distinct facial features, two crucial things are ensured.
Firstly, the user is encouraged to at least partially maintain their mental focus on the 'Cinerific' logo, as they may be new to the app and it may beneficial for both the developer and user that the latter memorizes the brand name.
Secondly, the user is, while introduced to human-like figures, never once nudged into dissociating from their avatar on the grounds that it has facial features that they, in real life, do not possess.
When wanting the user to lend their attention to, or connect with, a non-human or object by instilling it with human traits, think 'anthropomorphization.'
But when you wish for the human form to be represented without coming off as too objectionably specific, consider utilizing a secret weapon that might be just as powerful, if not more so:
'Dehumanization.'
But what about doing the opposite? And when would you ever need to?
Although there are several words denoting something semantically opposite, it's challenging to pin down an ideal term. Therefore, we'll be calling it 'dehumanization.'
Negative (psychological or political?) connotations aside, 'dehumanization' in this particular context would be something akin to what you're seeing in the accompanying screenshot, lifted directly from the log-in screen of "Cinerific," a media streaming app.
More specifically, I'd like to direct your attention to the avatars - 'Steve,' 'Martin,' 'Janny' and 'Guest' - at the bottom of the screen, situated right below the app's titular logo. As you may have noticed, none of the cartoony avatars - albeit clearly depicting humans - have been bestowed with actual faces.
Although this may, at first inkling, give the impression that lacking effort, or - God forbid - lacking inspiration is at play on the designer's part, the truth is the contrary. How so?
Precisely BECAUSE the avatars do not possess distinct facial features, two crucial things are ensured.
Firstly, the user is encouraged to at least partially maintain their mental focus on the 'Cinerific' logo, as they may be new to the app and it may beneficial for both the developer and user that the latter memorizes the brand name.
Secondly, the user is, while introduced to human-like figures, never once nudged into dissociating from their avatar on the grounds that it has facial features that they, in real life, do not possess.
When wanting the user to lend their attention to, or connect with, a non-human or object by instilling it with human traits, think 'anthropomorphization.'
But when you wish for the human form to be represented without coming off as too objectionably specific, consider utilizing a secret weapon that might be just as powerful, if not more so:
'Dehumanization.'