Design Aesthetics

When compared between art and design, many say that design has more of a "function" where is art is purely aesthetic.

However, there are plenty of designers that design objects that may not have any function at all, unless you count sitting on the table as a center piece, a function.

I think the function of an object and the aesthetic of an object are both very important in their own ways, especially to the consumer.

Of course, there are always extremes, some consumers may prefer a watch that is not aesthetically pleasing because if has several useful functions, whereas some (I notice as usually the rich) would maybe choose a watch that was expensive, very beautiful but only functions as a watch.

Although, most consumers and designers look for a middle area of both extremes.

For example, modern designers look for the best qualities when designing televisions. Televisions are an example of the best common ground between functionality and aesthetics. Nowadays, higher end televisions are sleek, smooth, and shiny all the while functioning as a high definition television with a thin LCD body to fit snuggly mounted on a wall.

Aesthetics play a big role for consumers of technologically. We see that refurbished goods are usually goods that are perfectly functional- just like the new product of the same model. Usually refurbished goods are sold at a lower price simply because a scratch or a dent was put on the product. This goes to show how aesthetics matter a lot parallel to functionality. Many consumers "trade up" from an aesthetically pleasing laptop to one that has faster or functionality.

As designers, we attempt to design objects that are both aesthetically pleasing, and possesses functionality.