Short answer
Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility ('aesthesis') in design projects, aiming to evoke specific user experiences.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- TU Delft Library (Tu Delft) (2017)
- Method
- Qualitative research, theoretical framework development, and reflective practice.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Expert design is characterized by the ability to evoke a specific aesthetic experience, rather than solely by functional or technical proficiency. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in TU Delft Library (Tu Delft). Using Qualitative research, theoretical framework development, and reflective practice., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility ('aesthesis') in design projects, aiming to evoke specific user experiences.
Aesthetic Experience is the Hallmark of Design Expertise
Expert design is characterized by the ability to evoke a specific aesthetic experience, rather than solely by functional or technical proficiency.
TU Delft Library (Tu Delft) · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Expert designers possess a highly developed sense of aesthetic experience, termed 'aesthesis'.
- 02Successful design students often exhibit a strong 'aesthesis', which appears more critical than intellectual ability, technical skill, or drive.
- 03This 'aesthesis' may be an acquired ability rather than purely innate talent.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility ('aesthesis') in design projects, aiming to evoke specific user experiences.
How to apply
In your design process, actively consider how different forms, materials, and interactions will make the user *feel*, and use this as a guiding principle for decision-making.
Project actions
- 01When documenting your design process, reflect on the aesthetic and emotional goals of your design.
- 02Consider how you can intentionally evoke specific feelings in your users through your design choices.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Highlights the often-underestimated importance of aesthetic and emotional impact in design.
- +Provides a conceptual framework ('aesthesis') for understanding design expertise.
Limitations
It can be challenging to objectively measure or quantify 'aesthetic experience' or 'feeling'.
Reliability & validity
The findings are based on reflective observation, which can be subjective. Reliability would be enhanced by more structured observation protocols and inter-rater agreement.
Think critically
To what extent can 'aesthesis' be taught or learned, and what specific pedagogical approaches would be most effective in fostering it?
Design Principles
"Form follows feeling: The aesthetic and emotional impact of a design is as critical as its functional performance."
This insight highlights that while functionality is a baseline, true design mastery lies in the designer's capacity to shape the user's emotional and aesthetic response. Understanding and cultivating this 'aesthesis' is crucial for developing innovative and impactful designs.
What This Means for Your Design
Really good designers are great at making things look and feel a certain way, which is more important than just making them work. This 'feeling' ability can be learned.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this research when discussing the importance of aesthetic considerations and user experience in your design development.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The development of design expertise is significantly influenced by 'aesthesis', a refined sense of aesthetic experience, which expert designers cultivate to evoke intended user feelings. This suggests that design projects should not only focus on functional requirements but also on the deliberate creation of specific emotional and aesthetic qualities to achieve design success.
Source
TU Delft Library (Tu Delft)
A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment, No. 6 (2017): Form Follows Feeling
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about aesthetic experience is the hallmark of design expertise?
- Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility ('aesthesis') in design projects, aiming to evoke specific user experiences. Evidence: TU Delft Library (Tu Delft) (2017).
- Why does "Aesthetic Experience is the Hallmark of Design Expertise" matter for design?
- This insight highlights that while functionality is a baseline, true design mastery lies in the designer's capacity to shape the user's emotional and aesthetic response. Understanding and cultivating this 'aesthesis' is crucial for developing innovative and impactful designs.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize the development and application of aesthetic sensibility ('aesthesis') in design projects, aiming to evoke specific user experiences.
- What were the main findings?
- Expert designers possess a highly developed sense of aesthetic experience, termed 'aesthesis'.. Successful design students often exhibit a strong 'aesthesis', which appears more critical than intellectual ability, technical skill, or drive.. This 'aesthesis' may be an acquired ability rather than purely innate talent.
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative research, theoretical framework development, and reflective practice..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from TU Delft Library (Tu Delft).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- In your design process, actively consider how different forms, materials, and interactions will make the user *feel*, and use this as a guiding principle for decision-making.
- What are the limitations?
- The research is largely based on anecdotal observation and reflection, lacking quantitative data or controlled experiments.