The Semantic Power of Product Design: How Products Communicate Meaning
Products are more than just functional objects — they are communicative artifacts that convey meaning, evoke emotions, and shape user experiences through their design. This notion is at the heart of “product semantics,” a field that explores how the form, materials, textures, colors, and overall appearance of a product’s design communicate specific messages, associations, and intended uses to users.
Theoretical Foundations
The concept of product semantics finds its roots in various theoretical frameworks, including semiotics (the study of signs and symbols), cognitive psychology, and design theory. One of the pioneering works in this field is “The Semantics of Form” by Susann Vihma, which examines how the visual and tactile qualities of products can convey semantic meanings.
Another influential theory is Donald Norman’s concept of “affordances,” which suggests that the design of an object should communicate its perceived possibilities for action and interaction. For example, the shape of a door handle affords the action of grasping and pulling, semantically suggesting how the user should interact with it.
