Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
THE SEMANTIC DEBATE IN DESIGN THEORIES APPLIED TO PRODUCT IDENTITY CREATION
Bonnemaire, Gregoire; Liem, Andre
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Reich, Y.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s):
130-141
Abstract:
The process of form giving is a complex topic for product designers and is inherently connected to the field of aesthetics. Fundamental questions need answers. Are there absolute aesthetic principles that, if followed, can guarantee a “good form” and a successful product? What importance should user and market response be given? This highlights the debate on the extent to which the designer is entitled to be the only judge of a product’s aesthetics, as well as on how much other stakeholders (such as client companies, product users) have a say in the product’s meaning creation through its form. In the past century the modernist paradigm and its translation in functionalist principles for product design has prevailed. However this paradigm has been increasingly challenged in the beginning of this century with the emergence of human-centered design theories. This article attempts to give an overview of how this paradigm shift from positivist to constructivist philosophical worldviews has impacted design theories and form-giving principles. The purpose is to give young designers a basis for reflection on aesthetics and the creation of meaning and identity through form giving.
Keywords:
