Hamsini introduces the topic of color semiotics and explains that color can be studied scientifically based on the physics and biology of human vision, as well as psychologically based on its correlation with moods and feelings. However, from a semiotic perspective, the study of color focuses on the intersection of language, cognition, and culture. She asserts that color interpretation is context-dependent and influenced by marketing category and culture.
By recognizing the multiple layers of interpretation, marketers can leverage the power of color in their communication strategies.

In this conversation, Hamsini leads a discussion on the meeting ground between science and behavioral science. She explores the binary between open and closed spaces and how the semiotics of signs in these environments impact human behavior. Anurag Vaish, a behavioral scientist, shares insights on the perception and prediction systems in the brain and how design can leverage unfamiliarity to influence behavior.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar discusses the semiotics of darkness and light from a cognitive and cultural perspective. While darkness and light have a universal understanding, the interpretation of colors is often culturally specific. This distinction between universal and cultural interpretations is essential in understanding how darkness and light signify different meanings in various contexts.

In this conversation, Hamsini and Anurag Vaish discuss the topic of interpretation. They explore the role of interpretation of signs in everyday life and the various factors that impact interpretation.
They also analyze the concept of good and bad interpretation and how it is subjective depending on the goal and purpose of interpretation.

In this conversation, Hamsini explores the criteria for distinguishing good interpretation from bad or better quality from inferior quality.
The speakers also delve into the challenges of achieving objectivity in interpretation and the importance of considering the perspective, purpose, and intended audience in the interpretive process.

Hamsini discusses the concept of cultural semiotics and its relationship to behavioural science with Anurag Vaish. They delve into the two planes of culture – the symbolic plane and the lived culture – and explore how objects and practices embody and express shared imaginary concepts. They also discuss the idea of the semiosphere, the world of signs and symbols that surround us, and its role in meaning-making and decoding culture.

In this conversation, Hamsini and Anurag Vaish discuss the logos and brand identity of sports teams, specifically focusing on the logos of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Pro Kabaddi teams. They also explore the logos of women’s IPL teams and analyze the underlying metaphors and narratives conveyed through these designs. The insights from this conversation serve as a starting point for further exploration of logo design and branding in the realm of sports.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss how emotions are expressed using different symbol mechanisms. They explore verbal expression, non-verbal behavioral expression, visual expression, sonic and musical expression, and symbolic representation of emotions. They also touch upon the significance of emotions in human life and the need to understand and manage them effectively.

In this conversation, Anurag Vaish and Hamsini Shivakumar discuss the topic of visual semiotics and the meaning of pictures. They explore how pictures convey meaning, the different levels of interpretation, and the cognitive processes involved in understanding visuals. They also touch upon the power of visual stimuli and the importance of visual cues in marketing and communication.

Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish explore the semiotics of packaging—how packs act as containers, communication tools, and cultural symbols. They unpack how design elements like color, shape, and typography create narratives that influence perception and emotion. From subtle design tweaks to deeper emotional cues, this episode reveals how semioticians decode packaging to shape brand meaning and consumer connection.

The conversation between Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish highlights the powerful role of semiotics in politics. It underscores how politicians use symbols, appearances, and media to create narratives and manipulate public sentiment. However, it also raises concerns about the potential erosion of democracy and critical thinking when politics intersects with semiotics in a malign way. Understanding the intersection of politics and semiotics can help us navigate the complexities of political communication and media manipulation.

In this conversation on brand semiotics, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish delve into the concept of brand as a sign system and explore the significance of signs and meanings in shaping consumer perceptions. They discuss how semiotics can contribute to strategic brand management and provide insights for brand positioning and communication.

Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss the significance of objects as cultural symbols. They explore how certain objects, such as the bridal lehenga, super bikes, luxury cars, and coffee filters, become representative of collective needs and cultural identity.

Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish explore how meanings evolve with shifting cultural contexts. They discuss how brands and communities reinterpret traditions, festivals, and everyday practices – from new-age Rakshabandhan campaigns to modern spins on heritage rituals. Reflecting changing values, relationships, and aspirations in society.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar continues her discussion on color and color semiotics, addressing questions raised by Divya Balakrishnan. They delve into the impact of color on emotions and the role of culture in color interpretation. They also touch upon the link between color and mood, as well as the ways in which color preferences can vary based on context.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar discusses the work of Charles Sanders Peirce, specifically focusing on his triadic model of signs. Hamsini presents a real-life example of how semiotics can be applied to shift cultural beliefs and then explains the three bases for establishing a connection between signs. The conversation also touches upon the use of Peirce’s model in marketing and branding.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar continues discussing Peircean Triads, focusing on the interpretive process of signs. She explores the three stages of interpretation: firstness, secondness, and thirdness. She also introduces the concept of abductive reasoning and its importance in sign interpretation. The conversation highlights the relevance of Peircean Triads in understanding the process of semiosis in everyday life.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss the relationship between media, discourses, and culture. They explore how media shaped cultural mindsets and behaviors and discuss different areas where media discourses have influenced societal norms, such as fatherhood, men in the world, LGBTQ issues, travel, nationalism, and the celebration of super males. They also touch upon the extent of genuine influence of media discourses on people and whether these ideas presented are fundamentally new or reiterations of age-old concepts.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss the use of rhetoric and cultural semiotics in shaping group behavior. They explore concepts such as tropes, frames, myths, and cultural stereotypes, and how these rhetorical devices are used to manipulate emotions and reinforce social hierarchies.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar discusses the idea of creating trustmarks for AI-generated content in influencer marketing. They explore the need for accurate labeling and transparency, as well as the potential challenges in implementing such trustmarks.

In this episode, Hamsini Shivakumar discusses how digital apps can be designed using easy-to-understand iconography to make them more accessible to a diverse demographic – crossing barriers of class and language.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss the connection between semiotics, psychology, and cognition. They explore the complexity of meaning-making and how it is influenced by language, cultural conventions, and embodied cognition. They also touch upon the role of cognitive linguistics in bridging the gap between language and mind.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish discuss the intriguing topic of semiotics and its relevance to the field of law. They explore how symbols, particularly emojis, are increasingly finding themselves at the center of legal disputes. They delve into examples where the interpretation of emojis has led to significant legal consequences, highlighting the potential complexities and cultural nuances involved. Additionally, they touch upon the classification and categorization of acts, the evolution of societal norms into laws, and the role of semiotics in legal interpretation.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish explore the topic of sound semiotics, discussing how sounds function as signs and the impact of sound on our experiences. They also touch upon the debate surrounding the semiotic nature of music and its connection to emotions, visuals, and culture.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish explore the topic of sound semiotics, discussing how sounds function as signs and the impact of sound on our experiences. They also touch upon the debate surrounding the semiotic nature of music and its connection to emotions, visuals, and culture.

In this conversation, Hamsini Shivakumar and Anurag Vaish explore the topic of sound semiotics, discussing how sounds function as signs and the impact of sound on our experiences. They also touch upon the debate surrounding the semiotic nature of music and its connection to emotions, visuals, and culture.