Memes and Symbolic Interactionism: A New Approach to Trend Research and Design

Amanda QUEIROZ CAMPOSa,
Luiz Salomão RIBAS GOMEZb

a Department of Industrial Design, Berguische University Wuppertal;
  Department of Graphic Expression, Federal Univeristy of Santa Catarina

b Department of Graphic Expression, Federal University of Santa Catarina;
  UNIDCOM, IADE — Creative University

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Abstract
This paper is the part of an ongoing study on a methodology for trend analysis focusing on innovative design. It endeavors to expose an alternative theoretical composition of a background for trend research and analysis. By introducing a wider comprehension of the term trend, the study presents the concept of a meme1 as theoretical support in order to perceive society as introduction nets, as acknowledged by Symbolic Interactionism. Parting from documental bibliographic research on social sciences, neuroscience, anthropology and overall qualitative investigations, we built a theoretical foundation for the further development of a prospective trend research methodology — which will result from the work’s continuality.

Keywords
Research methods; design research; innovation; interdisciplinary; trend analysis.

Senses & Sensibility 2015 Special Issue | February 2016 Edition | 08/08