Question 2 Examples of the Aesthetic-Usability Effect

Below are a few examples that meet the aesthetic-usability effect principle.

1. The Apple Iphone.
2. Shoes.
3. Dyson Handheld Vacuum Cleaner.

 

1. The Apple Iphone.

 

Fig 1. Iphone [Photograph], (n.d.).

 

Over time, the Apple brand has adopted a positive attitude for it’s products. “Such personal and positive relationships with a design evoke feelings of affection, loyalty, and patience – all significant factors in the long-term usability and overall success of a design” (Lidwell, Holden, & Butler, n.d.). These relationships can impact on how someone may interact with a design. The Apple Iphone is attractive to look at, however, it may not be as ‘technically advanced’ as some of the other brands. This is a great example of the aesthetic-usability effect, the look of the phone, the bright colours, and apps are all attractive features but it is the world wide attention that Apple itself as created which makes their products so popular. Whenever a new model gets released, the public everywhere lines up to get the newest model (even though there is nothing wrong with their current phone). The Iphone is brought based on popularity and people ‘needing’ to own the latest trend, it is not based on how well the phone operates or how easy it is to use.

 

2. Shoes.

Fig 2. High Heels [Photograph], (n.d.).

 

High heels are a good example of the aesthetic-usability effect. Shoes were originally designed to protect your feet and keep them warm or cool. However, shoes have turned into a fashion statement and people choose shoes solely based appearance and not practicality. When it comes to choosing shoes, I know that I definitely choose shoes based on looks. The shoes have to be comfortable, however, if the shoe is appealing to view I will buy them anyway. Especially when it comes to heels, high heels hurt every women’s foot yet everybody seems to wear them. High heels make women feel special and attractive, usability doesn’t really come into consideration when purchasing heels. If it looks good, 90% of the time women are going to buy them.

 

3. Dyson Handheld Vacuum Cleaner.

Fig 3. Dyson Handheld Vacuum Cleaner [Photograph], (n.d.).

 

The Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner is a product that I believe is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I brought the Dyson handheld because it’s features are great and it’s design is colourful and compact. The cleaner has changeable heads and is super easy to function. This is a rare example of a product that looks good and is functionally pleasing.

 

References

Dyson handheld vacuum cleaner. (n.d.). In Google images [Photograph], Retrieved October 31, 2014, from http://www.dyson.com.au/vacuum-cleaners/handhelds.aspx

High heels. (n.d.). In Google images [Photograph], Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://susiestyles.com/2013/08/3-reasons-why-wearing-high-heels-will-improve-your-life/

Iphone. (n.d.). In Google Images [Photograph], Retrieved November 1, 2014, from https://www.apple.com/support/iphone/

Lidwell, W., Holden, K., & Butler , J. (2003). Aesthetic-usability effect. In Universal Principles of Design (pp. 46). Massachusetts: Rockport.

Question 1 Summary

“Attractive things work better”. – Donald Norman

Have you ever wondered why consumers commonly choose Apple over any other computer? Or why people choose a particular car over another?

Fig 1: Apple vs. Microsoft [Photograph], (n.d.).                 Fig 2: Audi/Skoda [Photograph], (n.d.).

All of this comes down to one word. Design. Until reading this weeks article, I did not realise how much the ‘design’ factor comes into the decision process when consumers/users ultimately choose a particular product over any other. Reflecting on my own purchases and choices, the ‘aesthetic-usability’ feature is certainly a major factor when it comes to choosing a particular product or item (though this shouldn’t always be the case).

According to authors Manfred Thuring and Sascha Mahlke, of the article ‘Usability, aesthetics and emotions in human-technology interaction’, “to explain why people prefer some systems over others, factors such as aesthetic qualities play an important role in addition to instrumental aspects” (Thuring & Mahlke, 2008).

“The Aesthetic-Usability Effect is a condition whereby users perceive more aesthetically pleasing designs to be easier to use than less aesthetically pleasing designs” (Boulton, 2005). This means that users tend to be more forgiving when it comes faults or failures if a product is aesthetically pleasing (The aesthetic-usability effect, 2013). This may lead people to believe that the ‘better-looking’ option is the better option entirely (The aesthetic-usability effect, 2013).

People are usually much more productive when they are in a positive mind set (The aesthetic-usability effect, 2013). Ultimately, we complete tasks faster and achieve them with a better result (The aesthetic-usability effect, 2013). Products that a ‘pleasing’ to the eye often foster positive attitudes preferred to those items that are unaesthetic.

Whilst researching this topic, I came across another interesting factor that influences consumers decisions. The positive response towards aesthetic designs is not only influenced by particular design features, “but it may also be modified by characteristics of the individual, such as age, personality, cultural background or gender” (Sonderegger & Sauer, 2010).

Overall, I agree with what was said in the ‘Aesthetic-usability Effect’ article provided for this weeks task. After reflecting on my own experiences, (for example: I currently own an Apple I phone as well as an Apple laptop and an Apple desktop), I have realised that the more ‘pretty’ products may look, the more likely people are to purchase them.

References

Apple vs. Microsoft. (n.d.). In Alex Baxendale’s blog [Photograph], Retrieved October 12, 2014, from http://abaxenda.wordpress.com/2013/05/08/the-aesthetic-usability-effect/

Audi/Skoda. (n.d.). In Mark Boulton’s blog [Photograph], Retrieved October 12, 2014, fromhttp://www.markboulton.co.uk/journal/aesthetic-usability-effect

Boulton, M. (2005, March 6). Aesthetic-usability effect. Retrieved from http://www.markboulton.co.uk/journal/aesthetic-usability-effect

Sonderegger, A., & Sauer, J. (2010). The influence of design aesthetics in usability testing: Effects on user performance and perceived usability. Applied Ergonomics, 41(3), 403-410.

The aesthetic-usability effect – It’s design magic!. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.captovate.com.au/blog/aesthetic-usability-effect-its-design-magic

Thuring, M., & Mahlke, S. (2008). Usability, aesthetics and emotions in human-technology interaction. International Journal of Psychology, 42(4), 253-264.