Yellow as "Non-Black": Prosthetics, Semiotics, Hermeneutics, Freedom and Function. (28th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ventura, Jonathan; Shvo, Galit
• Is Part Of: Design journal. Volume 20:(2016) Supplement 1
• Page Start: S4652
• Page End: S4670
• Publication Date: 2017-07-28
• Subjects: semiotics -- design theory -- hermeneutics -- medical design -- interpretation -- mimesis; Design -- Periodicals; 745.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14606925.2017.1352963
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3062

Abstract

Abstract: Semiotic knowledge is crucial to professionals dealing with both the material and the visual elements of our socio-cultural surroundings: architects, graphic designers and industrial designers, just to name a few. However, in some cases, unique design situations call for a different approach. To understand the changes undergone by prosthesis designers we wish to use a hermeneutic approach, embedded in designers' interpretation of artificial limbs. In this article, we wish to highlight the ways designers convey socio-cultural meaning through their designed products, while combining semiotic and hermeneutic knowledge. Understanding this practice of viewing prosthetic limbs as a combination of visual, material and above all cultural depiction of society, as well as the designer's interpretation, will add a dimension to our understanding of the designer's influence on society. As a conclusion, we will show how this intriguing mixture of semiotic and hermeneutic knowledge could aid designers in the design of better suited medical products.