The design blog and podcast "99 Percent Invisible" discusses the variations of the walking-man icons used as a signal for pedestrians and how those symbols communicate different inflections of national identities.
Little Green Men: Iconic Pedestrian Lights Signal More Than Change
So, the symbol had (enduring) legs?!
ReplyDeleteJames, I don't know if it's the same in the States, but a new feature has sneaked into our green men crossings in our cities, here in the UK. When we get the green light to cross, there is a digital countdown, visible on the other side of the road. I've noticed that drivers tend to watch this, instead of watching their own traffic lights.
ReplyDeleteSo, should you arrive at the road's edge a little after the signal starts, you have to weigh up your chances. If the spring in your step isn't quite what it used to be...
you ain't gonna make it.
Yes, we, in America, have the countdown. It engages w/in seconds of the walking man. It has the psychological force of quickening the step.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting that 2 are so different from the others. Mexico City seems to say you better run and Amersfoort is a woman, walking with a certain confidence or swagger. And then following your link there is the story behind the little guy in Germany.
ReplyDelete