A product language-mediated information expression model : from the perspective of cognitive linguistics

Abstract

Since the advent of the user-oriented design era, product designers have extended their focus from the product itself to the experience these products deliver to users. This shift underscores the importance of the user experience, which is directly related to the abstract information—such as feelings and meanings—that users perceive through the product language. Thus, a strong need exists for product designers to strengthen their ability to express abstract information through product language. However, product designers often rely on their feelings and experiences when applying product language. This subjective mindset can easily lead to product designers constructing product language based on natural language logic, which differs significantly from that of product language. As a result, it becomes challenging to express information accurately. To address this issue, the presented research explores the underlying cognitive mechanism behind how information is conveyed through product language, enabling designers to ‘learn’ product language similarly to a secondary language. Consequently, this research developed a product language-mediated information expression (PLMIE) model that assists product designers in expressing information precisely through product language. Because this study focuses on exploring designers’ and users’ perceptions and understandings based on their own experiences, it lends the research to a qualitative interpretivism paradigm. Specifically, this research is divided into two main studies: Study 1—Establishing the theoretical model and Study 2—Testing the established theoretical model. In study 1, the introspection approach and abductive reasoning will be applied to deeply explore mechanisms of information expression that are challenging to quantify. In Study 2, Heidegger’s interpretive phenomenological approach is employed to collect and analyse empirical data, providing more reliable insights into participants’ experiences. Both studies incorporate literature analysis, product analysis, observation, and semi-structural interviews. The main research findings are presented as a set of models that illustrate the PLMIE mechanism, encompassing the process of information construction and interpretation. These models are primarily based on two frameworks from conceptual metaphor theory in cognitive linguistics: the conceptual metaphor framework and the conceptual blending framework. Additionally, the model incorporates knowledge from the semiotics as a complementary perspective, addressing meaning-related phenomena while offering a different focus from cognitive linguistics. Beyond the model itself, the findings include the attempt to test the potential of the presented model as a research toolset for product language studies as well. In summary, the significance of this study is twofold: Theoretically, the proposed design model bridges cognitive linguistics and product language study, utilising its structures and terminology to enable a deeper analysis of product language construction and interpretation. This connection elevates product language research to a cognitive level, allowing it to supplement natural language evidence and contribute to studies of human cognition and culture. Practically, the model aids designers in objectively analysing their concept construction process, reducing reliance on subjective judgment. It also helps designers learn from existing product designs by offering insights into cognitive mechanisms. Ultimately, the PLMIE model serves as a versatile toolset, enhancing designers’ ability to use product language effectively and improve user experiences.