Short answer
Designers should consider the full spectrum of human experience related to movement, including how it feels, is expressed, and is perceived, to create more holistic and engaging designs.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Mobilities (2017)
- Method
- Conceptual Framework Analysis
Designers can gain a deeper understanding of user interaction by considering how movement is enacted, felt, perceived, expressed, metered, choreographed, appreciated, and desired. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Mobilities. Using Conceptual framework analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should consider the full spectrum of human experience related to movement, including how it feels, is expressed, and is perceived, to create more holistic and engaging designs.
Kin-Aesthetics: Understanding Movement Through Sensory and Expressive Design
Designers can gain a deeper understanding of user interaction by considering how movement is enacted, felt, perceived, expressed, metered, choreographed, appreciated, and desired.
Mobilities · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Mobility studies have deep roots in arts and humanities, not solely social sciences.
- 02A broadened understanding of 'kin-aesthetics' can analyze movement's enactment, feeling, perception, expression, metering, choreography, appreciation, and desire.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should consider the full spectrum of human experience related to movement, including how it feels, is expressed, and is perceived, to create more holistic and engaging designs.
How to apply
When designing a new product, ask: How does the user *feel* when they move this object? How is their movement *expressed*? How can we *choreograph* their interaction to be more intuitive or delightful?
Project actions
- 01When researching a product, consider how users physically interact with it and what emotions that interaction evokes.
- 02Use descriptive language to capture the sensory experience of using a product in your design documentation.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a holistic view of user interaction beyond pure functionality.
- +Encourages consideration of emotional and sensory design aspects.
Limitations
It can be challenging to objectively measure or quantify subjective feelings of movement or aesthetic appreciation.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved by using standardized descriptive scales for user feedback on movement. Validity is strengthened by triangulating qualitative descriptions with observed user behavior.
Think critically
How can 'kin-aesthetics' be applied to the design of digital interfaces, where physical movement is simulated rather than literal?
Design Principles
"Design for kin-aesthetics: Consider the sensory, expressive, and emotional dimensions of movement in user interaction."
This perspective moves beyond purely functional considerations to embrace the qualitative and emotional aspects of how users experience and interact with designed objects and systems. By integrating 'kin-aesthetics,' designers can create more engaging, intuitive, and emotionally resonant experiences.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how people move and feel when they use things, not just if it works. This is called 'kin-aesthetics'.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference 'kin-aesthetics' when discussing the user experience and the emotional or sensory aspects of your design choices.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The concept of 'kin-aesthetics,' as explored in mobility studies, offers a valuable lens for design. It encourages designers to move beyond purely functional considerations and instead examine how movement is enacted, felt, perceived, expressed, metered, choreographed, appreciated, and desired by users. Integrating this perspective can lead to more intuitive, engaging, and emotionally resonant design outcomes.
Source
Questions About This Research
- What does the research say about kin-aesthetics: understanding movement through sensory and expressive design?
- Designers should consider the full spectrum of human experience related to movement, including how it feels, is expressed, and is perceived, to create more holistic and engaging designs. Evidence: Mobilities (2017).
- Why does "Kin-Aesthetics: Understanding Movement Through Sensory and Expressive Design" matter for design?
- This perspective moves beyond purely functional considerations to embrace the qualitative and emotional aspects of how users experience and interact with designed objects and systems. By integrating 'kin-aesthetics,' designers can create more engaging, intuitive, and emotionally resonant experiences.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should consider the full spectrum of human experience related to movement, including how it feels, is expressed, and is perceived, to create more holistic and engaging designs.
- What were the main findings?
- Mobility studies have deep roots in arts and humanities, not solely social sciences.. A broadened understanding of 'kin-aesthetics' can analyze movement's enactment, feeling, perception, expression, metering, choreography, appreciation, and desire.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual Framework Analysis.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a new product, ask: How does the user *feel* when they move this object? How is their movement *expressed*? How can we *choreograph* their interaction to be more intuitive or delightful?
- What are the limitations?
- The concept of 'kin-aesthetics' is broad and requires further operationalization for direct design application.