Aesthetics

Aesthetics - the Perceivable beauty

The term “aesthetics” derives from the Greek word aísthēsis, meaning “perception” or “sensation,” and until the 19th century referred primarily to the study of perceptible beauty. This field of study focused mainly on the laws and harmony found in nature and art. In everyday language, the term “aesthetic” is now mostly used as a synonym for “beautiful,” “tasteful,” or “attractive.” In academia, the term refers to the sum of characteristics that determine how people perceive objects.

Aesthetics and perception of it

Aesthetics, as a theory of sensory perception, can initially be understood as a description and sociological analysis of objects. Evaluations or classifications such as “ugly” and “beautiful” are not straightforward and must be placed within and considered in their respective contexts. Sociocultural conditioning, the spirit of the times, and local influences shape the assessment of whether objects are “beautiful,” “sensual,” etc.

Aesthetics remains an actively researched field at a wide variety of research institutions.

The importance of Aesthetics in Design

In design, aesthetics refers to the deliberate creation of forms with the goal of positively influencing people’s emotional well-being. Today, the concept of aesthetic design is understood to mean the creation of internationally competitive products. In this context, a global convergence in the perception and evaluation of “well” -designed products and architecture can be observed.

Aesthetics is linked with multiple aspects in product and interface design and affects people visually, emotionally, psychologically, and semantically - before, during, and after use.

Products and interfaces are designed visually in terms of their shapes, colors, surfaces, materials, haptic aspects, as well as usability and handling processes, and are influenced by considerations of semantics, semiotics, and logic.

Emotionally, a product appeals visually and haptically, supports the user’s emotional state during use or handling, and - in connection with the following aspects - can foster trust and clarity for users. A medical device evokes trust and a sense of security through its design and provides relief in stressful situations, a production machine emphasizes performance and precision and a sports product enhances the emotional excitement of the sport.

Aesthetics is also closely linked with semantics (the study of meaning): The more complex a product becomes, the clearer its operation and functionality has to be. The goal since the mid-20th century has been the “self-explanatory product” - a term coined by Braun and Dieter Rams - which describes a product that explains itself through its semantic impact. Ideally, a product can be operated without reading the instruction manual (operating logic). Of course, this approach has its limits in terms of complexity, which can be overcome by using user interfaces on displays to operate highly complex products. For this function of aesthetics, sociocultural codes and theoretical knowledge are essential for designing intuitive usability.

Logically, aesthetics influence people’s performance when using these objects, interfaces, structures, architecture etc., since they can provide clarity and safety when applied correctly: A study by the University of Wuppertal demonstrated, that appropriately designed user interfaces help people work faster and more accurately. This applies equally to the use of physical products. Here, aesthetics makes a decisive contribution to efficiency.

To achieve these goals, visual elements are employed; however, aesthetics is not merely a matter of “form or color” based on whether something is liked or disliked.

In summary

Well-designed objects, products, interfaces, and architecture etc. are visually compelling because they fit seamlessly into their surroundings and context and offer semantic clarity; as a result, they provide psychological support to people as they use them and stimulate them emotionally - from the initial purchase decision through maintenance and repair.