3. Sign, Design, Communication

In this article, we use communication as a point of reference to discuss a variant of the sign or mark that design produces. Using the works of French philosopher Jacques Derrida, we focus on the role of communication in design work. Derrida’s analysis is in conflict with ordinary views, in that does not convey an identifiable meaning or ideas between some people. The sign and design in general must be able to function in the absence of the sender, the receiver, and the context of production (i.e., they must not lose their function in different settings), and there is always the possibility of transformation (iterability). This implies the possibility that transformation is always and necessarily inscribed in the functioning or functional structure of the sign and the design, and repeatability as iterability can coexist with originality. On the other hand, the sign and the design also have the capability to communicate, primarily as a means of communication. As a secondary effect, social communication is enhanced, usually based on the conventions used in the design. However, because social communications are inherently limited and iterable, design needs to consider the possibilities of iterability.