Sign Language: Ampelmann
No, not Japan's Anpanman, this is (East) Germany's Ampelmann, or "traffic light man." He was one of the first people I encountered in Berlin, just walking around. I was immediately struck by how such a simple figure could communicate so much more character than the regular stop light signs. His short body, his little hat... The "stop" position looks like he's about to give you a hug.
I then read that he was designed in East Germany, and became a figure of children's education materials as you can see in the book below (from the DDR Museum). After reunification the more generic crosswalk person was installed in Ampelmann's place.
But a graphic designer named Markus Heckhausen helped revive Ampelmann, who was restored to most crossing signals in Berlin. Heckhausen was also smart (opportunistic) by founding Ampelmann GmbH which makes and markets Ampelmann souvenirs. These stores were constantly packed when I was in Berlin!
Makes me wonder, though, why pedestrian crossing signs must be so generic. Ampelmann is full of character, yet the message of "stop" and "walk" is still recognizable.
