Design is one of the fastest-growing fields in the modern world. The huge role of appearances in our everyday lives may not seem obvious, but studies show that they greatly affect the way we view people and utilities.

Researchers Kurosu and Kashimura conducted an experiment in Japan to gauge the relationship between aesthetics and the apparent utility of an item. They found that the subjects believed that the more beautiful item of two was easier to use after trying both despite their uniform functionality. This study was repeated in Israel and produced similar results.

The effects of design can be linked to the success of companies. Designers have been integrated into the world of technology and business to cater to the public’s thirst for beauty. Apple’s tendency to manufacture products that incorporate both practicality and minimalistic design demonstrates the importance of appearance. Apple’s development process is extensive and largely design-oriented. A vast array of colors, shapes, and materials are experimented with before designers land on the perfect combination. This obsession with perfection clearly paid off, as the Apple design has become iconic, lusted after, and imitated. There is no doubt that the company’s focus on aesthetics was instrumental to its success.

Good designs tend to share certain characteristics. They are practical and able to serve all of their functions, but are still apparently creative and pleasing to look at. They are also able to adapt well to situations and different uses. Most important of all, they are understood and liked by a variety of personalities and people. In order to meet these criteria, effective planning and research are essential to producing good design.

One theory for people’s love for design is that beauty is able to positively impact emotions, which in turn affects people’s perceptions even if they are not related to appearances. Displeasing appearances tend to raise stress levels, making tasks seem harder and more tedious. By surrounding oneself with beauty, one can improve productivity, reduce frustration, and increase overall happiness.

Though design can be belittled for driving superficiality, it is actually vital to the encouragement of competition and innovation. Aesthetics and success are almost indivisible, and the evidence is in nearly all aspects of our lives.


<Jihyun Woo, Whitney High School 11th Grade>