EXPLORING LASTING USER-PRODUCTRELATIONSHIPS, MEANING AND MATERIALITY
Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Green, Clare
Series: E&PDE
Institution: ISD (Institut Supérieur de Design) Rubika, Valenciennes, FranceEcole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris, France
Section: Design Teaching Methods
Page(s): 381-386
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract
Investigating lasting user-product relationships means looking essentially at post-purchase user
behaviour. This subject highlights meaning and symbolism in objects and questions the role of
materiality. This is a study area with particular relevance to design for sustainability, going far beyond
strategies for longer product ownership resulting in less product production. Studying lasting userproduct
relationships can generate understanding about our relations to physical artefacts and what
might constitute sustainably appropriate physical product related behaviour.
This paper reviews recent research literature informing lasting user-product relationships and
discusses the theoretical frameworks currently proposed for the subject. We detail a selection of key
themes that emerge, and may constitute a possible structure for addressing this subject in design
education and practice. These frameworks and themes were part of a number of teaching modules of
different lengths addressing the subject of lasting user-product relationships. We finish with a brief
presentation and discussion of these teaching case studies, highlighting some of the opportunities this
subject affords
Keywords: Lasting user-product relationships, sustainable behaviour, attachment, materiality