Words and Their Design Side Effects
Thursday, March 12th, 2009The words we use to explain or create designs have an enormous impact on cognition. This may seem obvious but understanding the details of the impact can help designers select words as carefully as they select other features, functions and forms.
Detailed insight into the cognitive effects of word choice is the subject of the recent article, The Role of Medical Language in Changing Public Perception of Illness. The authors studied the impact of medical versus lay terminology on perceptions (e.g. seriousness) held about the underlying condition.
