Earlier this week, we looked at the use of dots in art, typography and pattern. But there is even more to the humble dot.
It is being used to reclaim public spaces and to slow down traffic. Very functional - and at the same time all those dots inject a bit of colourful joy into people’s daily lives.
In L.A. and New York, dots are being used to reclaim areas for pedestrians.
Dots to demarcate pedestrian area and slow down traffic in Austin
And in Auckland and Austin, large colourful dots on the roads are used to make cars slow down in areas with lots of pedestrians.
Polkadots used to slow down cars at pedestrian’s crossing in Auckland, New Zealand © Claire Davis
There are more dots in public spaces - and not just as demarcation. You have probably been saved from walking into a glass door or wall many times by rows of demure dots.
Dots may have helped you find your way in train stations or airports.
And they even tell you when your transport of choice will arrive, on those familiar dot matrix displays.
You may not be so lucky as to live near a polka-dotted plaza, but today, do keep an eye out for dots in public spaces.
Spot the dots, capture them and share them using the hashtag #kramerseye on Twitter or Instagram.