Altering the Mapping between Structures and Functions to Modify Users’ Perspective

A radical product innovation can derive from a twisting of the function-structure relationship within the product. Functions are deeply linked with the structure of the product, thus an innovation of the product functions affects also the structure. However the aim of the structure is not only to perform a set of functions, but also to communicate and arouse emotions in the user. This paper is a first effort in investigating the design phenomenon of altering the mapping between structures and functions and above all how it modifies the users’ perspective. The consequences of this change are investigated, and in particular the role of the affordances in such case for the product usability is studied. A case study shows an innovative and revolutionary product, that embodies a terrific change in the traditional abdominal workout. The causes of its success but also the criticalities has been investigated, especially focusing on the users’ perception.