Short answer
When designing for organizational contexts, consider the aesthetic experience and the symbolic meaning embedded in materials and forms, not just their functional utility.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento) (2019)
- Method
- Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Examining organizations through an aesthetic lens, akin to appreciating classic design, reveals deeper insights into their materiality and lived experience beyond purely rational interpretations. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento). Using Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for organizational contexts, consider the aesthetic experience and the symbolic meaning embedded in materials and forms, not just their functional utility.
Organizational Design Gains Depth Through Aesthetic and Material Considerations
Examining organizations through an aesthetic lens, akin to appreciating classic design, reveals deeper insights into their materiality and lived experience beyond purely rational interpretations.
Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento) · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Aesthetic and artistic perspectives offer a valuable counterpoint to rationalist interpretations of organizations.
- 02The materiality of organizations plays a significant role in shaping organizational life and can be understood through aesthetic appreciation.
- 03New theoretical and methodological approaches, particularly from a European perspective, can renew organizational studies.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for organizational contexts, consider the aesthetic experience and the symbolic meaning embedded in materials and forms, not just their functional utility.
How to apply
When designing office spaces, digital interfaces for internal communication, or organizational structures, consider how their aesthetic qualities and materiality might influence user perception, emotion, and behavior.
Project actions
- 01When analyzing existing products or environments, consider their aesthetic qualities and how they contribute to the overall experience.
- 02Explore how different materials and forms evoke specific emotions or associations.
- 03Use artistic or philosophical concepts to frame your design problem and solutions.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel perspective on organizational studies.
- +Emphasizes the often-overlooked aspects of materiality and aesthetics.
Limitations
The abstract nature of the research might make it challenging to directly translate into concrete design actions without further interpretation or empirical study.
Reliability & validity
The conceptual nature of the research means reliability and validity are assessed through the coherence of the argument and the philosophical rigor of the approaches presented, rather than empirical data.
Think critically
How can the 'riddle and the chair' metaphor be practically applied to design a more engaging and effective workspace?
Design Principles
"Organizational design should integrate aesthetic and material considerations to foster a richer understanding of human experience within the organization."
Understanding the aesthetic dimensions of organizational life allows designers and researchers to move beyond functional analysis and engage with the emotional, sensory, and symbolic aspects that shape how people interact with and within organizations. This perspective can lead to more holistic and human-centered design solutions for workspaces, systems, and organizational structures.
What This Means for Your Design
Think about how the look and feel of a place or object, like a well-designed chair, can affect how people feel and work, not just if it's functional.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this paper when discussing the importance of aesthetics, materiality, and user experience in your design project, especially if your project involves organizational contexts or spaces.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
This research highlights the significance of aesthetic and material considerations in organizational design, suggesting that a deeper understanding of these elements, beyond mere functionality, can lead to more effective and resonant outcomes. By viewing organizations through an aesthetic lens, designers can better appreciate how the physical environment and its components contribute to the lived experience of individuals within the organization.
Source
Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento)
The riddle and the chair: aesthetics, art and design in organizational life
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about organizational design gains depth through aesthetic and material considerations?
- When designing for organizational contexts, consider the aesthetic experience and the symbolic meaning embedded in materials and forms, not just their functional utility. Evidence: Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento) (2019).
- Why does "Organizational Design Gains Depth Through Aesthetic and Material Considerations" matter for design?
- Understanding the aesthetic dimensions of organizational life allows designers and researchers to move beyond functional analysis and engage with the emotional, sensory, and symbolic aspects that shape how people interact with and within organizations. This perspective can lead to more holistic and human-centered design solutions for workspaces, systems, and organizational structures.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for organizational contexts, consider the aesthetic experience and the symbolic meaning embedded in materials and forms, not just their functional utility.
- What were the main findings?
- Aesthetic and artistic perspectives offer a valuable counterpoint to rationalist interpretations of organizations.. The materiality of organizations plays a significant role in shaping organizational life and can be understood through aesthetic appreciation.. New theoretical and methodological approaches, particularly from a European perspective, can renew organizational studies.
- What research method was used?
- Conceptual analysis and philosophical inquiry.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Institutional Research Information System (Università degli Studi di Trento).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing office spaces, digital interfaces for internal communication, or organizational structures, consider how their aesthetic qualities and materiality might influence user perception, emotion, and behavior.
- What are the limitations?
- The approaches discussed are primarily theoretical and may require empirical validation in diverse organizational settings. The focus is on interpretation rather than prescriptive design guidelines.