Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Sign, Design, Communication
Michio Ito
Abstract In this article, we use communication as a point of reference to discuss a
variant of the sign or mark that design produces. Using the works of French
philosopher Jacques Derrida, we focus on the role of communication in design
work. Derrida's analysis is in conflict with ordinary views, in that does not convey
an identifiable meaning or ideas between some people. The sign and design
in general must be able to function in the absence of the sender, the receiver,
and the context of production (i.e., they must not lose their function in different
settings), and there is always the possibility of transformation (iterability).
This implies the possibility that transformation is always and necessarily inscribed
in the functioning or functional structure of the sign and the design, and repeat-
ability as iterability can coexist with originality. On the other hand, the sign and
the design also have the capability to communicate, primarily as a means of
communication. As a secondary effect, social communication is enhanced, usually
based on the conventions used in the design. However, because social communi-
cations are inherently limited and iterable, design needs to consider the possibil-
ities of iterability.
Keywords Communication • Iterability • Sign
3.1
Introduction
Our living sphere includes a plethora of products that are industrially, technically or
artistically designed. However, when we consider a product's 'design', we imme-
diately encounter difficulty. The word 'design' has enormous number of meanings
and use, in that it can be considered from a point of view of science and technology,
engineering, art, society, problem-solving, risk, and so on.
Can design also be discussed philosophically?
The arguments about architecture design first arose in the 1960s and lasted
until the 1980s, with most discussions revolving around how to criticize modern
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