Products as Mass Media: Entertainment vs. Edification

摘要

The information inherent in a product's form--evident as contrast and/or novelty of shapes, colors and any other visible characteristics--communicates meanings to viewers via empathic expression. Indeed, mass-produced products, seen daily by millions in homes, workplaces, stores and streets, constitute more pervasive and arguably more compelling mass media than newspapers, radio, TV and movies. As with other mass media the design of a product either entertains audiences by reinforcing existing mindsets or edifies them by changing them in ways that benefit users and society.