Bodily Perception and Innovation in Design: Modern Practices of Embodied Cognition Theory

Inspired by Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology of perception and the concept of "body-subject", this study advances a new paradigm of "embodied" design thinking.This approach not only investigates how design can foster an organic connection between people and the world but also delves into the "embodiment of emotions" within design practices, thereby strengthening emotional resonance and empathy between design works and individuals.This transformation in design thinking holds significant importance for advancing and deepening research into design methodologies.The research aims to enhance the understanding of the intrinsic logic within design, aiding designers in creating works that resonate more profoundly with human daily productivity and life, and facilitating an emotional dialogue between the design and its users.Originating from a profound human-centered design philosophy and guided by Don Ihde's theory of embodiment, the study begins with the functional relationships of bodily embodiment, employing phenomenological methods in design, enriched by in-depth case study analysis.Our research analysis has revealed three core logics of bodily embodiment in design: The logic of behavioral embodiment emphasizes innate and acquired human behavioral patterns; the logic of organ embodiment pertains to the interactions between internal organs and the external environment; and the logic of scenographic embodiment includes the design of empathetic scenes and subtler environmental layouts.In essence, this study underscores that modern design logic should consider the interplay between the human body, behavior, and the environment.Such Embodied Design logic offers new theoretical perspectives and guiding principles for future research and practical applications in design methodologies.