Design and Semiotics

15Out07

It should by now be clear why Simon’s concern with symbols alone (also the concern of the field known as symbolic anthropology, which influenced designers for a long time) proves a serious limitation of his explanatory model. However, since symbols are the dominant sign representation in human culture, and since each symbol contains iconic or indexical elements, it is easy to reformulate some of Simon’s ideas in order to more adequately make use of the semiotic principles governing the cognitive condition of design. Semiotic interpretation of design requires that we identify the design as the elements constituting it.

Filed under: DIII   |  Leave a Comment