Dots are used in several nonverbal communication systems, two of the most obvious being Morse code and Braille. Samuel Morse was an American painter, sculptor, and something of a renaissance man. He invented the electric telegraph and a means of communicating across it—a series of dots and dashes representing individual letters. Since 1837 this has been used as an internationally recognized code.

Braille uses cells of raised dots in a rectangular 2.3 formation that are “read” by fingertip. The formation offers 64 combinations—enough for letters, numbers, punctuation, and some key words like “and,” “of,” and “for.” This is simple Grade 1 Braille, used only for beginners. Most books are transcribed in Grade 2 Braille, which contracts many words into single characters to fit more on the page and make for a speedier read. Braille appears in public spaces on elevator buttons, public transport, and signage, embossed in metal or plastic.

Dots are fundamental to visual communication as well. One of the most popular display configurations for LEDs (light emitting diodes) is the dot matrix— a block of tiny circular lights that are lit to display letters, numbers, or icons. In 5.7 formation, it takes 35 individual LEDs to form one letter. The scrolling dot matrix has been used to convey information from trading floors to Times Square, but the technology is now considered outdated as plasma and LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors can offer much richer information. The graphic language of the dot matrix is consigned to the old school, but remains a source of creative inspiration for low-tech graphics, art, and products.

To be reproducible on press, an original color image, such as a photograph, must first be converted into a pattern of small dots for each of the four colors (CMYK). We don’t register these dots, but if you look closely at an advertising hoarding, they are apparent. It’s not a new idea. French artists, Seurat and Signac developed pointillism in the late 19th century. In the technique, primary colors of red, yellow, and blue paint are applied in tiny dots or “points.” The colors in the painting are mixed in the viewer’s mind rather than on the canvas.

When viewed under magnification, a print that has been produced using a halftone screen shows a dot pattern, sometimes referred to as Benday dots. One of the key figures of the pop art movement, Roy Lichtenstein, adopted the use of Benday dots in his comic book influenced works. Lichtenstein reproduced these dots by hand with a brush or stencil, conveying shading, tone, and form. They became his signature and continue to be emulated in modern graphics and advertising.