The Current State of Research on Image Schemas and Their Application in Design: A Scientometric Analysis Using CiteSpace

Abstract

Cognitive science has become one of the fields most closely integrated with design in recent years. Image schemas, important concepts in cognitive science, are used to explain and understand certain patterns and structures in human thinking. This article aims to analyze the current research status of image schemas through scientometric analysis and to review the literature to understand their application in the field of design, providing a reference for further research into their feasibility in design. The research method involves a scientometric analysis of 921 academic publications related to image schemas from the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1996 to 2023. Utilizing ‘CiteSpace,’ co-occurrence networks are identified and visualized, and cluster analysis of primary research categories and timelines is conducted to describe the knowledge landscape. Additionally, a literature review on the application of image schemas in the design field is further conducted. The results indicate that the number of papers related to image schemas is rapidly increasing and that image schemas hold significant potential for development in the design domain. The connection between image schemas and the design field primarily focuses on conceptual metaphor, memory, representation, and other aspects, with notable advantages in visual, experiential, and interactive domains. In conclusion, research related to image schemas in the design field is gradually progressing, and its significance in promoting human-centered design development is noteworthy, warranting broader and deeper research efforts. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2025.