The Traffic Light — Solo

The Traffic Light — Solo
The universal laconic Traffic Light — Solo (monosection, “all in one”, one-block format) is presented. Signal color corresponds to signal form.
Such simplification (unification, universalization) allows to reduce considerably traffic lights on the weight and dimensions, to lower costs of production, service and control.

It is especially convenient for color-blind persons and visually impaired people, for children.

Explaining the shapes

The selection of geometrical forms used in the proposed design can be explained as follows. The square, corresponding to the red stoplight, is a symbol of motionless matter. It represents heaviness and opacity. The yellow signal uses a triangle, a shape that radiates in all directions and which is associated with thought. While the square embodies a static state, the circle symbolises permanent motion, and also has a quiet, soft, calming effect.
The green and blue colours of the spectrum correspond to the permanent movement of a circle. According to the artist, Vassily Kandinsky, red corresponds to a rectangle or square, while yellow corresponds to acute angles and triangles.
A very important feature is the changing direction of the yellow triangle. This provides useful additional information by enabling the middle light to indicate in advance to which extreme — red or green — the lights will switch next.

The new traffic light concept provides for both enhanced information and reduced ambiguity in interpretation. Through their simple but innovative combination of two codes of visual information — colour and form — the new lights enable users to perceive and assimilate signals earlier and more easily. They could, thus, have a significant impact on road safety as well as help to reduce traffic violations.

Author Yuri Kozin.