Good info for me was given by Dick below mentioning Dewey, who
"extends language to physical features, gestures ..." Could you, please,
give me the book, article, where I can find it?
Susann
On Tue, 3 Oct 2000, Richard Buchanan wrote:
> I'd like to comment on one point raised by Jean.
>
>
> Excerpts from mail: 3-Oct-100 Rhetoric and design by Jean [log in to unmask]
> > I'll add my 2cts in the thread (though it seems to me to carry the
> idea >that language -and/or communication- is central to design, not
> >necessarily my conviction).
>
> I certainly agree that communication is only one aspect of design--or
> one way to approach its effectiveness in society. However, it can be a
> powerful approach. And it is an approach that is still not deeply
> explored. The formalisms of grammar and logic, developed earlier in the
> 20th century, still influence much of our study of design and products.
>
> On language, however, I think we should be cautious. The danger, I
> believe, lies in regarding language as "words" or "verbal"
> communication. If language is so conceived, then communication and
> rhetoric have little direct value to understanding design--except
> perhaps in how designers talk with clients. A better approach is
> suggested by Dewey, who argues that language extends to physical
> features, gestures, and a wide range of other elements that enable
> products to "speak" to us. (Dewey's term.)
>
> Following Barthes ("The Rhetoric of the Image"), semioticians can be
> comfortable with a broader conception of language needed to approach
> design.
>
> Dick
>
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