Aesthetics versus Usability: What Drives our Product Choices?

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This research examined the influence of usability and aesthetic/emotive characteristics on prospective buyers' preferences in pre-purchase product selection. Results indicate that while both characteristics are important, aesthetic/emotive factors are dominant and can counteract negative perceptions of usability-at least in regard to the products studied. This research contributes to our understanding of the relationship between a product's usability and aesthetic factors, and how these are perceived by users at different stages of product selection. Both product design and design education could be improved through a better understanding of users' interactions with products. How users perceive and respond to products, how their responses change over time and with varying levels of contact with the product, and ultimately how user satisfaction emerges from these processes is integral to such improvements.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 16th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education: Design Education and Human Technology Relations, E and PDE 2014
Subtitle of host publicationDesign Education and Human Technology Relations, E and PDE 2014
EditorsWessel Wits, Erik Bohemia, Wouter Eggink, Arthur Eger, Ahmed Kovacevic, Brian Parkinson
Place of PublicationGlasgow, UK
PublisherThe Design Society
Pages706-713
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781904670568
ISBN (Print)9781904670568
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event16th International conference on Engineering and Product Design Education - Enschede, Enschede, Netherlands
Duration: 4 Sept 20145 Sept 2014

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 16th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education: Design Education and Human Technology Relations, E and PDE 2014

Conference

Conference16th International conference on Engineering and Product Design Education
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityEnschede
Period4/09/145/09/14

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aesthetics versus Usability: What Drives our Product Choices?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this