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Lath,

Re: The challenge is to develop a new visual vocabulary which does not rely 
on ephemeral technology as symbols.

I think one of the messages in this challenge is that IT is the ubiquitious 
skill set in scientific disciplines. Central to that skills set is 
understanding that technology is ephemeral, and part of your job is 
selecting and learning new technologies that are relevant to your field.

But, you really have a point about the visual vocabulary--the one we have 
(and often use) is quickly becoming irrelevant and historic rather than a 
useful tool to depict different disciplines of science. That's one reason my 
mind turned to dress code--the best symbols are ones that work on several 
levels by emerging form the specific context and begin to "stand for" that 
context.

Carey

Carey E. Tisdal
Tisdal Consulting
4475 West Pine Blvd., #1705
St. Louis, MO 63108
Phone: 314-531-9766
Cell: 314-496-9097
Email: [log in to unmask]

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