The red x inside a square is a symbol, a metaphor for failure on the internet. The user has tried to post an image, but the link is dead or the upload failed. The "x" is well understood as meaning "no". It is symbolic because it bears no relation to the nonexistent image. It is soundly designed because it can not be mistaken for what it is not. It is successful at communication because it has either been seen or happened to all of us, and inserts itself at a place on a webpage where an image is expected. Except, of course, on this post.
2 comments:
Indeed, this is lemonade. Smart thinking.
It does convey the meaning, sort of - but we also have the red X in the upper right corner of every Windows application, telling us to close it. You have to experiment to realize that this X is not a symbol for closing something.
I think I prefer something with more verve - the sad mac http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sad_Mac an image of a computer that looks liek it might be running a fever.
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