제품디자인의 상징적 표현에 관한 사례연구 - 카림 라시드의 작품을 중심으로

Abstract

A symbol is something that gives free objectivity to an abstract concept with multiple meanings of an object by combining past experiences or emotional elements and expressing it to the outside through some medium or new image. In product design, symbolic expressions are used as a useful means of conveying the designer’s abstract intentions to users through indirect substitutes. The purpose for this research is to supplement the concept of symbolism as a part of problem-solving methodology in the design process and refine the academic system, and based on these results, to break away from the ambiguity of abstract concepts in the practice-based process in order to establish the creative thinking based on intuition with objectivity. In turn, Karim Rashid, a worldwide famous designer who aggressively reflects symbolic design elements in his product design works, was set as the scope of the research. For a total of 161 product design projects started from 1985 to 2021 posted on Karim Rashid’s official website, conclusions were drawn through analysis of each element of the expression results of symbolic design elements such as shape, color, and pattern (graphics). As a result, the symbolic expression of Karim Rashid’s work was shown as organic design elements based on extreme minimalism, and the use of pink and high-saturation colors created a more dramatic effect by combining with the form elements. On the other hand, it was confirmed that the graphic effects with symbolic patterns were shown as somewhat limited factors in his product design works. The significance of this study could be found in that Karim Rashid was a designer who actively used symbolic elements in his design works, established his own design world by using the concepts of symbols to externally express the inner human instincts and desires, and by visually confirming the diversity of expression mode in product design.