Short answer

Consider the abstract conceptual qualities and inherent logic of your digital design elements as a distinct form of aesthetic value.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Goldsmiths College, London (2012)
Method: Conceptual exploration and theoretical argumentation.
Evidence: Mixed findings

The aesthetic value of digital code can be appreciated not just for its generative output or sensory qualities, but for the abstract conceptual relationships and 'feelings' it embodies. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2012 study published in Goldsmiths College, London. Using Conceptual exploration and theoretical argumentation., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the abstract conceptual qualities and inherent logic of your digital design elements as a distinct form of aesthetic value.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactMixed findings

Abstract numerical aesthetics can evoke conceptual feelings beyond direct sensory perception.

The aesthetic value of digital code can be appreciated not just for its generative output or sensory qualities, but for the abstract conceptual relationships and 'feelings' it embodies.

Goldsmiths College, London · 2012

Key Findings

01Digital code possesses an aesthetic dimension independent of its sensory output or generative capabilities.
02This aesthetic can be experienced as an abstract, conceptual 'feeling' or 'contagion' of ideas, termed 'soft thought'.
03The appreciation of 'soft thought' involves an indirect, conceptual engagement with numerical relationships and logic.

Application

Design takeaway

Consider the abstract conceptual qualities and inherent logic of your digital design elements as a distinct form of aesthetic value.

How to apply

When developing digital interfaces or systems, reflect on the underlying conceptual framework and its potential to evoke abstract 'feelings' or insights in the user, even if not directly perceived.

Project actions

01When documenting your digital design process, consider discussing the conceptual underpinnings and logic as a form of design merit.
02Explore how the structure of your code or algorithms might embody certain aesthetic principles beyond visual output.

Method & Evidence

AimTo explore and define the concept of 'soft thought' as an aesthetic appreciation of digital code based on abstract conceptual feelings rather than direct sensory output or generative results.

MethodConceptual exploration and theoretical argumentation.

ProcedureThe authors define 'soft thought' by contrasting it with traditional approaches to code aesthetics, emphasizing the indirect, conceptual 'feeling' of numbers and their relationships. They use analogies from architecture and choreography to illustrate how abstract structures can evoke non-sensory experiences.

ContextDigital design, computational aesthetics, theoretical design discourse.

Variables

IVNature of digital code (e.g., its underlying logic and structure).

DVConceptual 'feeling' or aesthetic appreciation of the code.

CVSensory output of the code (e.g., visual or auditory results).

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Introduces a novel way to think about digital aesthetics.
+Encourages deeper theoretical engagement with design.

Limitations

It's hard to prove that users are actually feeling 'soft thought' or to quantify it. The concept is quite abstract and subjective.

Reliability & validity

Reliability would be low due to the subjective nature of 'conceptual feeling'. Validity is questionable as it's difficult to confirm if participants are truly experiencing 'soft thought' as defined.

Think critically

How can the abstract 'feeling' of code be effectively communicated to stakeholders who are primarily concerned with tangible outcomes and user experience?

Design Principles

"Aesthetic appreciation extends beyond the tangible and sensory to encompass the conceptual and abstract relationships within a design."

This perspective challenges designers to consider the inherent conceptual and emotional resonance of underlying structures and logic, rather than solely focusing on the final visual or functional outcome. It encourages a deeper engagement with the 'essence' of a design's digital foundation.

What This Means for Your Design

Think about how the 'idea' behind a digital design, the way its code is structured, can feel good or interesting, even if you can't see or hear it directly. It's like appreciating the cleverness of a mathematical equation on its own.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this concept when discussing the theoretical underpinnings of your digital design choices, particularly if your project involves complex algorithms or data structures.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The aesthetic appreciation of digital design can extend beyond its generative output or sensory qualities to encompass an abstract conceptual 'feeling,' as proposed by Parisi and Portanova (2012). This 'soft thought' perspective suggests that the inherent logic and numerical relationships within code can evoke conceptual contagions, offering a deeper layer of design value that is 'conceptually felt but not directly sensed.'

Source

Goldsmiths College, London

Soft thought (in architecture and choreography)

journal · 2012

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about abstract numerical aesthetics can evoke conceptual feelings beyond direct sensory perception?: Consider the abstract conceptual qualities and inherent logic of your digital design elements as a distinct form of aesthetic value. Evidence: Goldsmiths College, London (2012).
Why does "Abstract numerical aesthetics can evoke conceptual feelings beyond direct sensory perception." matter for design?: This perspective challenges designers to consider the inherent conceptual and emotional resonance of underlying structures and logic, rather than solely focusing on the final visual or functional outcome. It encourages a deeper engagement with the 'essence' of a design's digital foundation.
How can designers apply this research?: Consider the abstract conceptual qualities and inherent logic of your digital design elements as a distinct form of aesthetic value.
What were the main findings?: Digital code possesses an aesthetic dimension independent of its sensory output or generative capabilities.. This aesthetic can be experienced as an abstract, conceptual 'feeling' or 'contagion' of ideas, termed 'soft thought'.. The appreciation of 'soft thought' involves an indirect, conceptual engagement with numerical relationships and logic.
What research method was used?: Conceptual exploration and theoretical argumentation..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Mixed findings, based on a 2012 journal from Goldsmiths College, London.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When developing digital interfaces or systems, reflect on the underlying conceptual framework and its potential to evoke abstract 'feelings' or insights in the user, even if not directly perceived.
What are the limitations?: The concept is highly theoretical and may be difficult to objectively measure or apply in practical design workflows without further development.