Design as communication

exploring the validity and utility of relating intention to interpretation

Journal article (2008)

Authors

Nathan Crilly University of Cambridge
David Good University of Cambridge
Derek Matravers University of Cambridge
P.J. Clarkson University of Cambridge
Affiliation
External organisation
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Published Date

2008-9

Language

English

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Affiliation

External organisation

Abstract

The relationship between how designers intend products to be interpreted and how they are subsequently interpreted has often been represented as a process of communication. However, such representations are attacked for allegedly implying that designers' intended meanings are somehow 'contained' in products and that those meanings are passively received by consumers. Instead, critics argue that consumers actively construct their own meanings as they engage with products, and therefore that designers' intentions are not relevant to this process. In contrast, this article asserts the validity and utility of relating intention to interpretation by exploring the nature of that relationship in design practice and consumer response. Communicative perspectives on design are thereby defended and new avenues of empirical enquiry are proposed.