The pragmatism as a semiotic route to designing: Understanding the inferential logics of sense attribution

The aim of this paper is to theoretically discuss the inferential logics of sense attribution to everyday objects. Such discussion takes part of our attempt to explore the possibility of development of a method for systematic research and analysis of the relationship established between users and artifacts in their context of use and specific circumstances. Taking into account the notions of sensible effects, practical bearings, and sense, the argumentation, supported by the Peircean pragmatism, tries to frame their connections with processes of logical mental mediations that emerge when design-agents (e.g., users, designers, and design researchers) deal with everyday objects. The contribution and final considerations of this paper may address issues from the fields of design (practically) and semiotics and design (theoretically and empirically) through possibly enlarging the understanding of the mediation processes, so-called inferential logics of sense attribution.