IMProVe 2011 - Proceedings

Industrial Design and Ergonomics
Design Semantics:
Even hybrid Motorcycles need to make noise
M. Jaafarnia (a), A. Bass (b)
(a) Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
(b) Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
Abstract:
This paper explores the need for artificial sound in high tech products. Changing one of
the four sides of the semantic frame changes the meaning and emotional impact of that
product. There is a relationship between the four sides of the semantic frame (aesthetic,
physiologic, technical, economic) and the five senses (sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch).
Replacing sound with sight, smell, taste or touch does compensate for the absence of
sound. When high tech products, such as motorcycles, omit sound it confuses the
consumer. This research was conducted in two stages: In the first stage the sample
consisted of 490 people. In the second stage, 69 people participated. We based our study
on questions, interviews and practical tests to determine how artificial sound or the lack
of it in high tech products affects the emotional state of the consumer.
Keywords: Emotion, semantics, high tech product, transportation, psychology
Corresponding Author: Mohsen Jaafarnia
Tel.: +91-361-2582802
e-mail: mohsen@iitg.ernet.in
Address: Department of Design, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, 781039, Assam, India
Tracing the Evolution of Automobile design:
Factors influencing the development of aesthetics
in automobiles from 1885 to the present
M. Jaafarnia (a), A. Bass (b)
(a) Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
(b) Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
Abstract:
Using selected well-known automakers, the influence of new technology, lifestyle and
culture of automobile design has been mapped, starting from 1885 through present day.
We have identified seven eras to date. The study of history often yields clues to the
future. Influences such as fashion, makeup and missiles have shaped automobile design
since manufacturing began. The evolution of the car has been driven by the desire to
create a semantic frame for speed. Over time, changes in lifestyle and culture have
changed the semantic meaning of the frame. This time line will help automobile designers
June 15 th – 17 th , 2011, Venice, Italy
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IMProVe 2011 - Proceedings