Short answer
When designing within or for a recognized genre, consider both the objective characteristics of that genre and how your target audience is likely to perceive and interpret it.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York) (2017)
- Method
- Mixed Methods (Quantitative Survey & Qualitative Interviews/Autoethnography)
- Sample
- 390 films, 3,500+ participants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Disney films can be understood as a distinct design genre, defined by both the studio's tangible output and the evolving perceptions of its adult audience. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York). Using Mixed methods (quantitative survey & qualitative interviews/autoethnography) with 390 films, 3,500+ participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing within or for a recognized genre, consider both the objective characteristics of that genre and how your target audience is likely to perceive and interpret it.
Disney's Evolving Design Language: From Tangible Output to Audience Perception
Disney films can be understood as a distinct design genre, defined by both the studio's tangible output and the evolving perceptions of its adult audience.
White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York) · 2017
Key Findings
- 01A 'Tangible Disney Genre' can be identified through objective analysis of the studio's film output.
- 02A 'Fantasy Disney Genre' emerges from the shared perceptions and interpretations of adult audiences.
- 03The space for adult audiences to renegotiate their relationship with Disney films exists within the differences and similarities between these two genre definitions.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing within or for a recognized genre, consider both the objective characteristics of that genre and how your target audience is likely to perceive and interpret it.
How to apply
When developing a new product line or brand extension, analyze existing successful products in the category (tangible genre) and then conduct user research to understand how your target audience perceives that category (fantasy genre). Use these insights to inform your design strategy.
Project actions
- 01When defining a design genre for your project, consider both objective characteristics and subjective audience interpretations.
- 02Use a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative data on product features and qualitative data on user perceptions.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Innovative mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data.
- +Large sample size for audience perception data.
Limitations
The definition of a 'genre' can be subjective. The sample size for audience perception might not fully represent all adult viewers.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be enhanced by using standardized survey questions and multiple coders for qualitative data. Validity is supported by the triangulation of data from film analysis, surveys, and interviews.
Think critically
To what extent can a design genre be dictated by the creator versus the consumer?
Design Principles
"Audience perception is a co-creator of design genre."
Understanding how a design genre is perceived by its audience, beyond its objective characteristics, is crucial for designers aiming to connect with specific demographics. This research highlights the dynamic nature of design genres and the importance of audience interpretation in their continued relevance.
What This Means for Your Design
Disney movies are like a specific style of design. This study looked at what makes a Disney movie a 'Disney movie' based on the movies themselves, and also what people *think* makes a Disney movie a 'Disney movie'. The difference between these two ways of looking at it shows how adults can change their minds about how they feel about Disney movies.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify defining a design genre based on audience perception, especially if your project aims to appeal to a specific demographic's evolving tastes.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research by Mason (2017) highlights the dual nature of design genres, proposing that they can be defined by both tangible output and audience perception. By analyzing Disney films, Mason established a 'Tangible Disney Genre' based on film characteristics and a 'Fantasy Disney Genre' based on audience perceptions. The divergence between these genres provides a space for audience renegotiation, suggesting that design genres are dynamic and co-created by creators and consumers. This framework is valuable for understanding how established design categories evolve and how designers can engage with audience interpretations.
Source
White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York)
Disney film genres and adult audiences : a tale of renegotiated relationships
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about disney's evolving design language: from tangible output to audience perception?
- When designing within or for a recognized genre, consider both the objective characteristics of that genre and how your target audience is likely to perceive and interpret it. Evidence: White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York) (2017).
- Why does "Disney's Evolving Design Language: From Tangible Output to Audience Perception" matter for design?
- Understanding how a design genre is perceived by its audience, beyond its objective characteristics, is crucial for designers aiming to connect with specific demographics. This research highlights the dynamic nature of design genres and the importance of audience interpretation in their continued relevance.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing within or for a recognized genre, consider both the objective characteristics of that genre and how your target audience is likely to perceive and interpret it.
- What were the main findings?
- A 'Tangible Disney Genre' can be identified through objective analysis of the studio's film output.. A 'Fantasy Disney Genre' emerges from the shared perceptions and interpretations of adult audiences.. The space for adult audiences to renegotiate their relationship with Disney films exists within the differences and similarities between these two genre definitions.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed Methods (Quantitative Survey & Qualitative Interviews/Autoethnography) with 390 films, 3,500+ participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from White Rose eTheses Online (University of Leeds, The University of Sheffield, University of York).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing a new product line or brand extension, analyze existing successful products in the category (tangible genre) and then conduct user research to understand how your target audience perceives that category (fantasy genre). Use these insights to inform your design strategy.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses specifically on Disney films and adult audiences, limiting generalizability to other media or demographics. The autoethnographic component introduces researcher subjectivity.