Opening up new insights into design theory, the articles in this volume cover a wide range of approaches into semiotics and design communication.
Design is conceived as a broad field, not limited exclusively to technology or usability. The focus is on the process of signification, highlighting the representational, communicative and aesthetic qualities of products in their context. The purpose of these theoretical reflections is to contribute to design quality at large.
Classic semiotic texts by Peirce, Barthes, Hjelmslev and Greimas as well as others are brought to bear on current issues in design semiotics with a view to discussing useful concepts, models and methods. Mattozzi breaks up the design product into its vital relations, Volonté and Crilly & Clarkson discuss communication models, and Markussen presents an example of aesthetic interplay