KHNUM is an interactive semantic database for creatives and designers in publicity, marketing, (interior) architecture and product design worldwide. Khnum is an application in which keywords, color combinations and color tints, graphic forms, styles, textures, patterns, symbols and metaphors are classified according to universal meaning.
Introduction
Khnum is the result of dozens of years of study and research that unites the work of anthropologists, philosophers, graphic designers, color psychologists, artists, marketing experts and sociologists in one concept. Illustrated with examples from international publicity, graphic design, architecture, art and completed with quotations and notes this innovating application is a scientifically based instrument that the designer can consult during the creative process. By choosing proper form, style, color and metaphor the emotional message of design can be mastered. Khnum is thereby also exceedingly suitable as a support for art and design education.
Applications
The database will be made accessible by means of a web application which will able the users to get swiftly more information concerning the relation between form, color and meaning.
* Companies can e.g. examine if their logo or house style transfers semantically the correct message.
* A graphic designer can search for an appropriate color tint or color combination for visualizing a product identity.
* The designer can also examine examples from publicity in which this given color has been already applied for a similar product. The additional notes and quotations can help the designer for the justification of the design to the client.
* An interior decorator can stipulate the wall colors for an industrial complex by means of Khnum in conformity with the functions of the different spaces and thereby improve the work quality and efficiency.
* The art lover can analyze an art work with the aid of Khnum by means of the form and color characteristics and of the symbols that appear in the work, and can reach this way a better understanding of the art work.
* A designer can search for certain attributes or symbolic objects which can be used on the scene for to evoke a certain state of mind.
* A design teacher can compose a course concerning a certain topic and thereby collect examples and quotations as an illustration.
