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Richard Buchanan's Rhetorical Analysis: Declaration By Design

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According to Richard Buchanan, in his article “Declaration by Design: Rhetoric, Argument, and Demonstration in Design Practice,” communication, or more specifically, rhetoric, is a central component of all design. Rhetoric, in this case, means persuasive communication, or an “art of shaping society, changing the course of individuals and communities, and setting patterns for new action.” The rise in technology has caused it to be a vital aspect within design and rhetoric. A more prominent aspect of this article, however, is the three elements of design argument. These elements are logos, or technological reasoning and bridge between natural and social sciences, ethos, or the character and bridge between ethics and politics, and pathos, the …show more content…

According to Buchanan, these creations have character because “in some way they reflect their makers, and part of the art of design is the control of such character in order to persuade potential users that a product has credibility in their lives.” This seems to be the most prominent argument of the Sanrio Hello Kitty table lamp, with its brand logo of Hello Kitty, adorable mascot figurine, and overall sweet image, all persuasive for its intended audience. This table lamp also persuades with its use of “familiar voices,” which Buchanan claims has appeal with its show of concern for “common place virtues” which makes it seem “authoritative” (a prized virtue among most audiences). As for the Lim L table lamp, in the words of Buchanan when he was describing a similarly ambiguous instrument, “there is less direct connection between the technological reasoning of the design argument and its ethical aspect.” This table lamp is more likely to give an immediate sense of mystery and “superficial… elegance.” At the same time, if one were to acknowledge the written statement about the table lamp, they would understand the use of the lamp and the convenience of its shape and functions and perhaps the perceived character would move from mysterious to efficient; however, if this is the case, the same could be said for “mysterious” examples Buchanan has …show more content…

The compelling shape and size of the unique Lim L table lamp certainly seem reminiscent of a fine art piece, possibly using emotional persuasion. It is likely that this lamp makes up for its hidden technological reasoning with its “emotional” draw. Like with Buchanan’s example of the unusually curved wrench, spectators may take a liking to the Lim L lamp’s uncommonly sleek look, regardless of whether they know the exact purpose of the piece. On the other hand, the Sanrio Hello Kitty table lamp is so kitsch-based and so reliant on its commercial appeal, it is difficult to classify it as something on the same level as fine art. That is not to say, however, that there is no emotional component to the piece, especially because this lamp is intended for a younger audience. As stated before, the table lamp is very inviting and encourages play, even if a child were to be unaware of the ever-popular Hello Kitty character. In this way, the lamp also serves as a piece that, as Buchanan stated, is “transformed into [an object] for pure contemplation, valuable in [itself] rather than as the means to some other

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