Short answer

Consider the inherent meaning and associations embedded in the materials and forms of your design, as these can significantly influence user interpretation and emotional connection.

Field: Classic Design
Source: AUT Scholarly Commons (2011)
Method: Creative practice research
Evidence: Moderate effect

The physical form and material properties of older media formats can imbue a narrative with richer, multi-layered meanings beyond the explicit text. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2011 study published in AUT Scholarly Commons. Using Creative practice research, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the inherent meaning and associations embedded in the materials and forms of your design, as these can significantly influence user interpretation and emotional connection.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

Tangible Media Enhances Narrative Depth Through Material Meaning

The physical form and material properties of older media formats can imbue a narrative with richer, multi-layered meanings beyond the explicit text.

AUT Scholarly Commons · 2011

Key Findings

01Each 'old' media artefact possessed unique material qualities that contributed to its individual story.
02The collection of diverse material artefacts, when considered together, created a richer, more complex, and open-ended narrative experience.
03The physical presence of these artefacts evoked specific associations and evoked divergent interpretations of meaning.

Application

Design takeaway

Consider the inherent meaning and associations embedded in the materials and forms of your design, as these can significantly influence user interpretation and emotional connection.

How to apply

When designing physical products or packaging, consider how the texture, weight, and form of the materials can communicate brand values or enhance the user experience.

Project actions

01Explore the use of physical prototypes or mock-ups to test how material choices affect user perception.
02Consider the historical or cultural associations of different materials and forms in your design project.

Method & Evidence

AimHow can the material form of 'old' media artefacts contribute to a polysemous narrative, generating multiple layers of meaning beyond the explicit content?

MethodCreative practice research

ProcedureA narrative was constructed using a collection of seven distinct artefacts (novella, photograph, newspaper clippings, VHS tape, audiocassette, personal letter), each representing a pre-digital media format. The research involved designing these artefacts and analyzing how their material presence and inherent characteristics influenced the interpretation of the overarching narrative.

ContextNarrative design, media studies, literary arts

Variables

IVMaterial form and type of 'old' media artefact

DVLayers of meaning and interpretation of the narrative

CVNarrative content, intended audience

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Creative and innovative approach to exploring meaning in design.
+Highlights the often-overlooked role of materiality in communication.

Limitations

The subjective nature of interpreting 'meaning' can make objective measurement challenging.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be challenging due to the subjective nature of interpretation. Validity could be assessed through qualitative analysis of user responses and thematic saturation.

Think critically

To what extent can the principles of 'old' media's material meaning be translated into purely digital design environments?

Design Principles

"Materiality as a semiotic tool: The physical properties of a designed object can act as signs, communicating meaning beyond its functional purpose."

Understanding how the material qualities of objects contribute to meaning is crucial for designers creating experiences or products. It highlights that design is not just about function or aesthetics, but also about the inherent associations and emotional resonance embedded within the materials and forms chosen.

What This Means for Your Design

Old things like letters or tapes have a special feel and look that can make a story feel deeper and more real, allowing people to think about it in different ways.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this research when discussing how the choice of materials or the physical form of your prototype influences the user's understanding or emotional response to your design.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The research by Williams (2011) demonstrates that the material form of artefacts, particularly older media, can significantly contribute to a polysemous narrative by imbuing the design with layers of meaning beyond explicit content. This highlights the importance of considering the inherent semiotic qualities of materials in design practice.

Source

AUT Scholarly Commons

Beyond Words: an investigation into aspects of meaning articulated through the material forms of 'old' media as expressed in a polysemous narrative

journal · 2011

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about tangible media enhances narrative depth through material meaning?: Consider the inherent meaning and associations embedded in the materials and forms of your design, as these can significantly influence user interpretation and emotional connection. Evidence: AUT Scholarly Commons (2011).
Why does "Tangible Media Enhances Narrative Depth Through Material Meaning" matter for design?: Understanding how the material qualities of objects contribute to meaning is crucial for designers creating experiences or products. It highlights that design is not just about function or aesthetics, but also about the inherent associations and emotional resonance embedded within the materials and forms chosen.
How can designers apply this research?: Consider the inherent meaning and associations embedded in the materials and forms of your design, as these can significantly influence user interpretation and emotional connection.
What were the main findings?: Each 'old' media artefact possessed unique material qualities that contributed to its individual story.. The collection of diverse material artefacts, when considered together, created a richer, more complex, and open-ended narrative experience.. The physical presence of these artefacts evoked specific associations and evoked divergent interpretations of meaning.
What research method was used?: Creative practice research.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2011 journal from AUT Scholarly Commons.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing physical products or packaging, consider how the texture, weight, and form of the materials can communicate brand values or enhance the user experience.
What are the limitations?: The study is specific to pre-digital media and may not directly translate to purely digital design contexts without adaptation.