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.
Similarities and differences between humorous and surprising products
Borgianni, Yuri; Hatcher, Gillian
Type:
Year:
2017
Editor:
Anja Maier, Stanko Škec, Harrison Kim, Michael Kokkolaras, Josef Oehmen, Georges Fadel, Filippo Salustri, Mike Van der Loos
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
1: Free University of Bolzano-Bozen, Italy; 2: University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom
Section:
Human Behaviour in Design
Page(s):
031-040
ISBN:
978-1-904670-96-4
ISSN:
2220-4342
Abstract:
Innovative products can be described as both useful and novel— or ‘unexpected’. Literature suggests that surprise combined with humour may be a powerful tool in creating the positive ‘unexpectedness’ than can enhance perceived value and foster meaningful relationships between product and user. Surprise and humour both rely on mismatches of expectations and unexpected outcomes, however, they are not inter-changeable. Their relationship when embodied in product design is not fully understood, and guidelines for creating surprising and humorous products with long-lasting impact have yet to be defined. The objective of this research was to analyse the mutual effect taking place between the perception of humour and the display of surprise embodied in products, and in particular the capability of humorous characteristics to boost the effect of surprise. Building on previous experiments in which a set of products were evaluated for surprise, we verified humour in the same products with a group of comedians and non-comedians. Results indicate that products evaluated as ‘funny’ positively influence their capability to evoke surprise, but other factors are likely to be highly influential.
Keywords:
