Short answer
Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility in design projects, recognizing it as a critical component of expertise.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Architecture and the Built Environment (2017)
- Method
- Reflective practice and theoretical development
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Expert design is characterized not just by functional problem-solving, but by the ability to evoke a specific aesthetic experience, suggesting that 'aesthesis'—a developed sense of design—is crucial. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Architecture and the Built Environment. Using Reflective practice and theoretical development, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility in design projects, recognizing it as a critical component of expertise.
Aesthetic Sensibility is the Hallmark of Design Expertise
Expert design is characterized not just by functional problem-solving, but by the ability to evoke a specific aesthetic experience, suggesting that 'aesthesis'—a developed sense of design—is crucial.
Architecture and the Built Environment · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Successful design students often possess a developed 'aesthesis' or intuitive sense of good design.
- 02The ability to induce an intended aesthetic experience is a key differentiator of design expertise.
- 03Aesthesis is likely an acquired ability rather than purely natural talent.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility in design projects, recognizing it as a critical component of expertise.
How to apply
In your design process, consciously reflect on the emotional and aesthetic qualities you want your design to convey, and use this as a guiding principle for form and material choices.
Project actions
- 01When documenting your design process, include reflections on the aesthetic choices you make and why.
- 02Consider how your design will make the user feel, not just how it functions.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a valuable theoretical framework for understanding design expertise.
- +Emphasizes the often-overlooked emotional and aesthetic dimensions of design.
Limitations
It can be difficult to objectively measure or quantify 'aesthesis' or aesthetic experience.
Reliability & validity
The reliance on reflective practice may limit the generalizability and objective validation of findings, as 'aesthesis' is subjective and difficult to quantify.
Think critically
To what extent can 'aesthesis' be taught, and what pedagogical approaches would be most effective in developing it?
Design Principles
"Form should be guided by the intended feeling or aesthetic experience it aims to evoke."
This insight challenges the notion that design expertise is solely about technical skill or intellectual prowess. It highlights the importance of cultivating an intuitive, aesthetic sensibility, which can be nurtured and developed, rather than being seen as an innate talent.
What This Means for Your Design
Really good designers have a special 'feel' for what looks and feels right. This research says that 'feel' is super important, even more than just knowing how to build things, and it's something you can get better at with practice.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the importance of aesthetic considerations and the development of design intuition in your project's evaluation or reflection sections.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The development of design expertise is significantly influenced by an individual's aesthetic sensibility, or 'aesthesis.' As highlighted by Curry (2017), expert designers possess a refined ability to evoke intended aesthetic experiences, which is often more critical than technical proficiency alone. This suggests that cultivating a nuanced understanding and appreciation for aesthetic qualities is paramount in the design process, impacting both the creation and reception of designed artifacts.
Source
Architecture and the Built Environment
Form Follows Feeling – The Acquisition of Design Expertise and the Function of Aesthesis in the Design Process
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about aesthetic sensibility is the hallmark of design expertise?
- Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility in design projects, recognizing it as a critical component of expertise. Evidence: Architecture and the Built Environment (2017).
- Why does "Aesthetic Sensibility is the Hallmark of Design Expertise" matter for design?
- This insight challenges the notion that design expertise is solely about technical skill or intellectual prowess. It highlights the importance of cultivating an intuitive, aesthetic sensibility, which can be nurtured and developed, rather than being seen as an innate talent.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility in design projects, recognizing it as a critical component of expertise.
- What were the main findings?
- Successful design students often possess a developed 'aesthesis' or intuitive sense of good design.. The ability to induce an intended aesthetic experience is a key differentiator of design expertise.. Aesthesis is likely an acquired ability rather than purely natural talent.
- What research method was used?
- Reflective practice and theoretical development.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Architecture and the Built Environment.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- In your design process, consciously reflect on the emotional and aesthetic qualities you want your design to convey, and use this as a guiding principle for form and material choices.
- What are the limitations?
- The research is primarily based on the author's personal reflections and observations, lacking empirical data from controlled studies.