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The thesis explores the connection between symbols and product forms by taking a well-running design oriented Italian company-Alessi as example. The study acquires a product formula developed by Alessi for evaluating the potential products through the interview. The two key factors in the product formula-SMI(sensorlality/memory /imaginary)and CL (communication/language) are borrowed and tested in this research. It is not only analyzing the design theory of Alessi but also using kettle design as a case study for looking the connections between the symbolic icons and the product forms in the affective and communicative aspects. Finally, the study applies previous income of the research to the practical design and records essential issues from the role of a designer and a researcher at the same time. By combining the documentary survey, interview, questionary, and the experience of workshop, the conclusions are summarized as followed: 1.Alessi stands for post-modernism slogans and persists the importance of emotional values which we had ignored for a long time in product design. Alessi evaluates its product by considering whether the product can arouse consumer’s affection or represent social values. 2.The results of testing these two factors are: (a) The performance of Alessi product is better than the others. (b) Alessi product is more likely to associate with symbols than the others. (c) Alessi product highly expresses the characters of humor and personality. (d) The two most recognizable associated items in Alessi product are “game” and “fairy tale”. 3.The research affirms that the application of sign does help to generate design ideas rapidly in the design process. And some requirements need to pay attention: (a) The appropriate types of symbol. (b) The degree between implicit and explicit of symbolic icons in the design. (c) The balance between innovation and tradition in cognitive aspect. 4.The studio work approach is found valuable for exploring and testing the design theory.
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