Message Design Logics

Abstract

Message design logics are the principles that individuals use to generate and interpret messages. The key insight of the message design logics model is that there are three distinct sets of logics. The distinct logics are evident when a situation is complex enough that different people communicate in markedly different ways. The expressive design logic values the clear expression of a person's thoughts and feelings. The conventional design logic conceptualizes communication as a game with fixed rules for successful communication. The rhetorical design logic views communication as a means by which the social situation and identities can be renegotiated. In general, the rhetorical design logic is the most sophisticated, the conventional design logic is moderate in sophistication, and the expressive design logic is the least sophisticated.