Language mining
- 25 January 2008
- journal article
- Published by Emerald in European Journal of Innovation Management
- Vol. 11 (1), 25-50
- https://doi.org/10.1108/14601060810845213
Abstract
Purpose – The main objective of this article is to propose an interpretive model that attempts to decipher a product's values in terms of functionality, usability and meaning. This model can support companies in better integrating these values in their product offering and in defining the most adequate innovation strategies that they can adopt. Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted an empirical analysis on more than 450 products from the Italian furniture industry. Moreover, using an interpretative model 50 product signs were mapped (materials, surfaces, colours, etc.) for each product. The obtained database was analyzed via the principal component analysis (PCA) statistical technique with the intent to identify dominant product languages. In fact, interpreting a product language as a set of product signs, the article describes an objective process able to identify dominant product languages as combinations of different product signs. Findings – The interpretive model described in this article represents a first result in itself. In addition, by mapping the dynamics of dominant product languages, it has been demonstrated that they evolve differently in relation to several product typologies. In turn, the possibility of “brokering” dominant product languages from one product typology to another and from one industry to another has been verified. Practical implications – First of all, this model can support companies in the identification of emerging trends and, consequently, allows them to develop product semantic forecasts. In addition, the analysis of dominant product languages over time can also allow a company to propose combinations of product signs typical of past periods. Finally, the identification of dominant product languages can also allow companies to analyze the state-of-the-art of the industry and, consequently, identify different ways to propose innovation to the market. Originality/value – Most of conducted researches related to product languages have shown primarily a qualitative-based approach, in which the observations are made by a restricted set of design experts on a subset of representative products. In contrast with the current literature in this research field, this article describes an objective process that is able to identify dominant product languages.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Putting a Hard Edge ON SOFT VALUES: The Higher Order of Cross-Functional Multidisciplinary TeamsDesign Management Journal (Former Series), 2010
- Soul branding:SM How to do itDesign Management Journal (Former Series), 2010
- Designing Products with Added Emotional Value: Development and Appllcation of an Approach for Research through DesignThe Design Journal, 2001
- The production performance benefits from JIT implementationJournal of Operations Management, 2000
- The Emotional Domain in Product DesignThe Design Journal, 2000
- The Development of Psychological Indexes for Product Design and the Concepts for Product PhasesDesign Management Journal (Former Series), 1994
- CONVERGING PERSPECTIVES: Product Development Research for the 1990sDesign Management Journal (Former Series), 1992
- Technological Discontinuities and Dominant Designs: A Cyclical Model of Technological ChangeAdministrative Science Quarterly, 1990
- Architectural Innovation: The Reconfiguration of Existing Product Technologies and the Failure of Established FirmsAdministrative Science Quarterly, 1990
- The Meaning of Things: Domestic Symbols and the Self.Contemporary Sociology: A Journal of Reviews, 1983