Exploring cultural symbols in Nigeria for contemporary applications in web visual design

Abstract

The study aimed at exploring rich heritage of cultural symbols in Nigeria for meaningful and harmonious adaptations in web visual interface design. In this study, we focused on developing theme design for computer-based questionnaire form using selected cultural motifs from the Yoruba traditional textile tradition as a source of inspiration. Visual aesthetic evaluations were done by university students in south western Nigeria using semantic differential scales. We assessed the perceived aesthetic impression of the stimuli set through the main test procedure. The study reveals how the inflection and transfiguration of cultural symbols in web visual design can be visually appealing to the local computer users at a first glance and changes that might occur over extended exposure time. This paper underscores the relevance of cultural potentials from Nigerian heritage for modern day design application by using information technology as a platform towards adapting them.