Understanding the Role of Aesthetics and Emotion in Innovative Product Development
Wayne Chung and Mary Beth Privitera
Industrial Design Program
2005
ABSTRACT
During the product realization process, cross-functional development
teams consider the many attributes which make up a product including an
in-depth look at the specific requirements of the various stakeholders.
This includes aesthetics form in product design and how this visual element
creates an emotional response which has impact on user perception. Consumers
and users have a range of responses to visual stimuli according to previous
experiences, the context in which they are presented with a product, and
its surrounding environment. One of the most significant and strongest
responses is an emotional reaction. Whether internalized, externalized,
conscious, sub-conscious, or a combination of these elements, the aesthetic
design of an object and its parts is a significant factor in creating a
positive, negative, or neutral opinion of value. Beyond this, an emotional
response to an object at the different stages of use plays a part in the
understanding and correct mental model for proper operation. Subsequently,
the following use phase incurs confidence and a desire for repeated and
continued use. These significant relational aspects of aesthetics and emotion
play a significant part in the design of common and uncommon objects.
This paper will discuss the basis for the importance of appropriate aesthetic design for new product development in relation to the user, context, and intended use. Two case studies are included to highlight specific aesthetic design decisions that impact and illicit positive emotional responses.
