Beauty and Design

February 23, 2006

Making an impression

Exactly what is it that influences our perception of a nicely designed piece? Well, obviously, the way that something looks plays a large role. I think that it’s also everything coming together as a result of a well-thought out design that elevates our opinion to a much higher level. You know something is different, but most of the time you don’t take the time to really think about it. Subconsciously you are aware of it, but haven’t identified each piece.

A closer look

First off, it looks amazing, but why do we think so? For me, it is usually clean lines and simplicity. But, lying underneath that, it functions well, and it’s also intuitive. I understand how to use it with little or no instructions.

As I am using it, I begin to notice the way that it provides functionality and I am amazed at its approach. The design actually enhances the functionality. I think of similar products that I might have tried and remember how certain issues were addressed, and this approach to solving the same problem is different, innovative. Now, why didn’t someone else think of doing it that way?

Instead of just figuring out what I need it to do, I take the time to explore what else it can do. I am not disappointed by its limitations, instead I am satisfied, impressed by the efficiency of the functionality. It does exactly what it was designed to do, no more, no less.

Inciting passion

At this point, I am wondering how I ever got along without it. I am definitely not going to use a similar product that doesn’t work the way this one does; it seems like going backward, a total waste of time. I again marvel at how it looks, and think design doesn’t get more perfect that this. I am so totally impressed that I tell anyone who will listen how great this is. I start to consider taking out a full-page ad in the New York Times, touting the greatness of this achievement. Ok, I’m getting carried away here, but you get the picture; I’ve become passionate about it.

Would I feel this way if just looked cool? Probably not. If it didn’t function the way that it did, I would have reservations. If it didn’t do things in an innovative and simple way, if I wasn’t as amazed at how it approached a previous problem from another direction, if it wasn’t as intuitive, I wouldn’t think it looked as nice. Visually, it would be flawed. Because, I would long for it to be great if only…

Judging the cover by the book

Now, I realize not everyone is as passionate or as observant about design as I am, but it takes everything; style, form and functionality, problem-solving and problem-setting working together to make something totally amazing.

Great design inspires others to emulate it and incites passion among its users. When all of it comes together, whether you realize it or not, it can greatly influence our impression of how it looks.

There is 1 comment

1Playgame

I did read the article and felt that in out life only nice things (inside or outside) can make life better. Trying to create something unique we can ensure we did something really good for next generations.

Sorry for my romantic mood…

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