JD Institute of Fashion Technology
This Is How Smart Designers Stay Relevant in a Symbol-First World

Emojis have become a global language of visual communication, changing the way we connect, share, and design meaning online. The average Gen Z sends over 75 emojis a day. That’s more visual symbols than actual words!

And for aspiring communication design students, understanding this shift is not just interesting, but it’s also essential. At institutions like JD Institute of Fashion Technology, the Communication Design course doesn’t just teach you how to design things, but how to make your ideas speak across cultures, platforms, and yes, even with symbols.

Emojis Simplify Emotions

When Japanese designer Shigetaka Kurita created the first emoji set in 1999, he probably didn’t expect it would someday appear in court cases or political campaigns. But that’s exactly what happened. On Instagram, reactions are now as simple as a tap. Users can respond to Stories or posts using a set of pre-selected icons that express everything from laughter and surprise to approval.

This shift shows how digital emotion is being compressed into quick, visual cues, no need for lengthy comments or typed replies.

What to learn? Visual simplicity doesn’t reduce meaning, it enhances it when designed smartly.

Emojis Speak Across Languages

Ever noticed how a thumbs-up emoji or a crying-laugh face emoji means the same in India, Spain, or Korea? That’s the power of visual symbols. Emojis are the only “language” that doesn’t need translation.

Slack, the business messaging platform, uses emojis to assign tasks, react to updates, and even track projects. It’s work-talk made visual.

What to learn? If you’re studying communication design, you must master cross-cultural thinking. And that’s exactly where courses like JD Institute’s come in, training students to design meaning that transcends borders.

Trends, Memes, and Cultural Symbols

Remember when the peach was just a fruit? Or the skull emoji was scary, and not “I’m dead laughing”? Emojis constantly evolve with internet culture.

Look at TikTok. Entire comment sections run on emojis alone. The skull means “too funny,” the eyes suggest gossip, and the sparkle adds sarcasm. It’s a whole language built on tone, vibe, and expression, without one “real” word.

What to learn? Communication design isn’t static. Designers must constantly evolve their visual vocabulary to match shifting audience behaviors.

Emojis Power Brand Identity and Digital Strategy

Major brands are no strangers to the emoji game. Domino’s Pizza once allowed users to order with just a emoji. That’s right, no text, no app, just send the emoji on Twitter and pizza would arrive.

This wasn’t just a marketing stunt; it was communication design in action. It simplified UX (user experience), boosted brand engagement, and made a digital process feel…human.

Emojis Help Communicate Complex Ideas

Think emojis can’t be serious? Think again. During the peak of COVID-19, the WHO (World Health Organization) used emojis to break down health guidelines across social media. A mask emoji, handwash emoji, and house emoji were the simple visuals that  saved lives.

Duolingo, the language-learning app, even uses emojis as part of their lessons to help reinforce grammar and vocabulary in a more engaging way.

What to learn? The best communication design speaks even when words fail. That’s the power of clear, purposeful visual storytelling.

Speak in Symbols, Think Like a Designer

From a smiling face to entire brand campaigns built around a pizza slice, emojis show that less really can say more.
For any future fashion designer or creative professional, understanding the how and why behind such trends is not a choice, it’s a superpower.

So next time you text your friend a crying emoji or respond to a reel with just a fire reaction, just remember: And if you want to learn how to design that language, the JD Institute is where your journey should start.