The app I chose is “LINE.” One of the famous communication apps in east Asia and southeast Asia.
The similarity between those ancient times languages and icons on “LINE” is they both try to make products or elements in the real world into simple graphics. And I think LINE icons are much similar to Egyptian Hieroglyph. Compare with Maya Script and Sumerian Alphabet, Egyptian Hieroglyph is the one that keeps the shape and outline of a real-world element rather than became systematic. The Egyptian Hieroglyph’s bird looks like a real bird, and the icon of the vote in LINE looks like a vote box in the real world.
The difference between Egyptian Hieroglyph and LINE is because they appeared at different periods. The Egyptian Hieroglyph is made to carve on rock or wall, so the outline is simple and shows by negative space. But LINE icons design to release on the digital screen. So it can have more details and be more creative. Also, icons on LINE do not even emerge during Ancient Egypt. Otherwise, the ideas of them will be pretty similar.
Interesting angle to input! It would make a stronger statement if you have the Egyptian Hieroglyph graphic sample placed side-by-side with the icons to call out the similarities and differences, so LINE’s strength in screen display would be more evidential.
Nice observation! We use many different communication applications and many icons of apps are mostly similar.
Nice analysis – especially when talking about realistic depictions of objects to meaning as well as about the form accommodating the medium – i.e. outlines for carving.
I love how you talk about negative space and the modernization of icons.