Short answer
Consider how acknowledging the 'constructed' nature of your design can create new avenues for user appreciation and engagement, rather than detracting from it.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Academic Publication (2012)
- Method
- Qualitative analysis of WWE content and audience reception.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Professional wrestling, specifically WWE, strategically employs both scripted storylines and meta-commentary on its artificiality to engage audiences and maintain relevance. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in Academic Publication. Using Qualitative analysis of wwe content and audience reception., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider how acknowledging the 'constructed' nature of your design can create new avenues for user appreciation and engagement, rather than detracting from it.
WWE's blend of fictional and non-fictional narratives creates a unique form of entertainment.
Professional wrestling, specifically WWE, strategically employs both scripted storylines and meta-commentary on its artificiality to engage audiences and maintain relevance.
Academic Publication · 2012
Key Findings
- 01WWE utilizes 'nonfictional' narratives to present new ways for fans to find 'realness' in wrestling.
- 02The strategic balance between fictional and non-fictional elements allows WWE to offer controversial content while promoting conservative messages.
- 03This narrative duality enhances populist appeal and audience respect for performers.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider how acknowledging the 'constructed' nature of your design can create new avenues for user appreciation and engagement, rather than detracting from it.
How to apply
When designing an experience or product, consider if and how revealing certain aspects of its design process or limitations could foster a stronger user connection.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing a product, consider its narrative structure and how it communicates with its audience.
- 02Think about how a product's 'behind-the-scenes' or 'making-of' elements can be integrated into the user experience.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a nuanced understanding of how entertainment industries manage authenticity.
- +Applies established cultural theory to a contemporary popular culture phenomenon.
Limitations
The analysis is qualitative and subjective, relying on interpretation of content and audience reception.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings relies on the interpretation of cultural theories and content analysis. Reliability could be enhanced through triangulation with quantitative audience surveys.
Think critically
To what extent does the 'nonfictional' aspect of WWE's presentation genuinely enhance authenticity, versus being another layer of performance?
Design Principles
"Controlled Authenticity: The strategic disclosure of a product's inherent artificiality can enhance perceived authenticity and user connection."
This approach demonstrates how established entertainment formats can evolve by acknowledging their own construction, offering audiences new layers of engagement. It highlights the dynamic relationship between creators and consumers, where transparency can paradoxically enhance the perceived authenticity of a product.
What This Means for Your Design
WWE uses fake stories and also sometimes talks about how it's fake, which makes people like it more because they feel like they're in on the secret.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing how a product's presentation and narrative affect user perception and engagement.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights how the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) strategically employs a blend of fictional narratives and meta-commentary on its artificiality to foster audience engagement and a sense of 'controlled authenticity.' This approach demonstrates that acknowledging a product's constructed nature can paradoxically enhance its perceived realness and deepen user connection, offering valuable insights for designing engaging user experiences.
Source
Academic Publication
Stylizing, Commodifying, and Disciplining Real Bodies: An Examination of WWE Wrestling
journal · 2012
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about wwe's blend of fictional and non-fictional narratives creates a unique form of entertainment?
- Consider how acknowledging the 'constructed' nature of your design can create new avenues for user appreciation and engagement, rather than detracting from it. Evidence: Academic Publication (2012).
- Why does "WWE's blend of fictional and non-fictional narratives creates a unique form of entertainment." matter for design?
- This approach demonstrates how established entertainment formats can evolve by acknowledging their own construction, offering audiences new layers of engagement. It highlights the dynamic relationship between creators and consumers, where transparency can paradoxically enhance the perceived authenticity of a product.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider how acknowledging the 'constructed' nature of your design can create new avenues for user appreciation and engagement, rather than detracting from it.
- What were the main findings?
- WWE utilizes 'nonfictional' narratives to present new ways for fans to find 'realness' in wrestling.. The strategic balance between fictional and non-fictional elements allows WWE to offer controversial content while promoting conservative messages.. This narrative duality enhances populist appeal and audience respect for performers.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative analysis of WWE content and audience reception..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2012 journal from Academic Publication.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing an experience or product, consider if and how revealing certain aspects of its design process or limitations could foster a stronger user connection.
- What are the limitations?
- The study is specific to WWE and may not generalize to all forms of entertainment.