Meaning of product meanings: A classification based on theoretical perspectives

Abstract

Product meanings may have many connotations depending on which theoretical perspective is hold. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on theories of psychological responses to products. However, less attention has been paid to relate product meanings to theoretical foundations of theories. Current study is an early attempt to classify product meanings according to their theoretical foundations of major theories (Affordance Theory, Product Semantics, Product Emotions) on the topic. Descriptions and definitions of product meanings that are introduced by these theories are explored. These descriptions and concepts are emerged in three broad categories of product meanings. Consequently, the classification based on theoretical perspectives can reduce complex nature and information of the topic and guide methodological strategies for design for meaning.