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about
Pictorial expressions have been found that are more than 25,000 years old. The first alphabet, young by comparison, dates from 1600 BCE-3600 plus years ago. That we
are visually biased should therefore come as no surprise. It certainly is not a modern phenomenon.
What is surprising is the notion that words notoriously imprecise, capable of falling
out of favor or, worse, lapsing into obsolescence are capable of expressing all that a single image is perceived to convey.
We speak the language of the eye.
Derk Dumbar (1970)
Derk Dumbar has an inventor's mind. Roaming, idiosyncratic, wonder-filled. Unlike the stereotypical tinkerer, Dumbar's inventions are largely of the 2-dimensional variety: graphic design, moving pictures or film-shorts, and, as an ongoing process, a comprehensive system of pictograms designed specifically for use by international aid organizations charged with handling the response to large-scale calamities-floods, displacement, wars, genocide, hurricanes, industrial and humanitarian disasters. For victims and aid workers who seldom share a common language, expedient and unambiguous communication can mean the difference between life and death. It is Dumbar's ability to think counter to the norm that distinguishes his work as a graphic designer. The universal disaster pictograms, developed in collaboration with his father, Gert Dumbar, are a perfect example of the inventor's mind at work.
Meghan Ferrill, Chicago
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In random order:
ANWB, Royal Dutch Touring Association - Dutch Police - KPN, Dutch telecom - Zeebelt Theater - Getronics PinkRoccade - Hermitage Amsterdam - Kaboe - De Nieuwe Kerk Amsterdam - Nederlands Vesting Museum, The Dutch fortress museum - TNO, independent research organisation, Museum het Valkhof - Utrecht Manifest - Tarakan Indonesia - DAF, Dutch truck manufacturing company - Tamara Muller - Traffical - Fimmo - NPEX, Dutch Participation Exchange - Koot Bonsen Lawyers - PSA Finance - Randstad - Jackie Leven - Rassegna Magazine - Floreest, flowershop - Bas Neon - Dick Stapel - IBM - Boender Communication - Barlock, Candy shop - Peugeot - The ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations - NFPK, Dutch performing arts fund - Dura Vermeer - Uncover, Skin products - Sixmo, very good programmers - Ontwerpwerk - Frans de la Haye Design - Shanghai Normal University - Citroën - Branson -Schoon of Schijn - Rotterdam City - Beautiful Cultures - De Nieuwe Haagse, publisher - Fimmo, real estate
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work
Work (random selection)
The thrust of graphic design is to make something known-to communicate. Graphic design objectifies reality and makes it concrete-by way of abstraction. Strange, yes?
No wonder early scripts were thought to be the work of sorcerers and shamans.
We invite you to review our work.
NPEX corporate
Npex
Corporate identity for the Dutch Participation Exchange.
Design: Derk Dumbar
DAF
DAF navigation system
Design: Derk Dumbar
Via: Branson & Guevara
International system of disaster pictograms
A safe place
international system of disaster pictograms
Through the media, we are continuously confronted with the consequences of conflicts and natural disasters. When a disaster strikes, NGO's and neighbouring countries try to shelter the displaced. If the situation does not essentially improve within a reasonable time frequently these camps become permanent settlements in which refugees stay for years.
Such refugee camps inhabited by immense masses lack of everything. One of the difficulties in these circumstances is miscommunication caused by language barriers, illiteracy and cultural differences.
In these circumstances, how does one help people to answers their most basic questions: Where to find shelter? Where to find food and water? Where to get medical care? How to find one's family? Where to register? A standardised set of pictograms can ease by indicating where aid can be found.
The set of pictograms presented forms a basis that can be used globally during disasters to help victims to find their way to a relief. This set is based on Western visual culture.
The reason being that it is our cultural background.
The functionality of the pictograms was investigated on an international level. Experts in the fields of emergency relief were consulted to determine what themes and terminology needed to be developed for these pictograms that can be used on a global scale.
Design: Derk Dumbar and Rieme Gleijm
Research: Gerda Blees
Capac animations
Animations for Capac Inhouse Services
Client: Capac Inhouse Services (a Randstad company)
Date: 2002
Description: 3D animations for a Capac Inhouse Services dvd.
Capac-Randstad brochure
Capac-Randstad brochure
Design: Derk Dumbar
Tamara Muller website
Website for Tamara Muller
Design: Derk Dumbar
Getronics commercial
Getronics PinkRoccade
This is a commercial that was made for Getronics PinkRoccade. It is a combination of 3d graphics and animated photography.
Sound: Kees Went
Client: Barlock / Getronics
contact
00 31 (0)70 36 36 001
a safe place
A safe place
international system of disaster pictograms
Through the media, we are continuously confronted with the consequences of conflicts and natural disasters. When a disaster strikes, NGO's and neighbouring countries try to shelter the displaced. If the situation does not essentially improve within a reasonable time frequently these camps become permanent settlements in which refugees stay for years.
Such refugee camps inhabited by immense masses lack of everything. One of the difficulties in these circumstances is miscommunication caused by language barriers, illiteracy and cultural differences.
In these circumstances, how does one help people to answers their most basic questions: Where to find shelter? Where to find food and water? Where to get medical care? How to find one's family? Where to register? A standardised set of pictograms can ease by indicating where aid can be found.
The set of pictograms presented forms a basis that can be used globally during disasters to help victims to find their way to a relief. This set is based on Western visual culture.
The reason being that it is our cultural background.
The functionality of the pictograms was investigated on an international level. Experts in the fields of emergency relief were consulted to determine what themes and terminology needed to be developed for these pictograms that can be used on a global scale.
Design: Derk Dumbar and Rieme Gleijm
Research: Gerda Blees