#1 Compliments Well To His Missing Arm LOL
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#2 Vintage Coin Purse, Date Unknown
Image credits: abaganoush
#3 A TV Set From The 70s
Image credits: BaronVonBroccoli
In the battle of aesthetics vs. function, visually pleasing appearance seems to be winning. As the theory of the aesthetic-usability effect suggests, users tend to see attractive products as more usable.
People are inclined to think that aesthetically appealing items will work better, even if they are actually more defective or inefficient. Pretty appearance also makes cosnumers more tolerant of minor errors in design.
#4 My Girlfriends 21st Bday Cake
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#5 Chernobyl Humidifier On Etsy
Image credits: CalmScientist
#6 It's A Turtleneck
Image credits: fishbethany
In fact, it was found that around 75% of users would trust a website that is pleasing to the eye. This, of course, goes beyond digital pages. Applications, dashboards, and physical designs also have better user perception if they look attractive.
This proves that user experience can’t be just functional. Attractive design shouldn’t be just a ‘nice’ addition, it plays a big role in how consumers perceive products.
#7 Spotted On Marketplace. Think This Qualifies? Electric Guitar Made Of Bike Parts That Houses A Bottle Of Jd
Image credits: Wonkypubfireprobe
#8 Beaded Cig Earrings I Made! So Trashy Yet So Beautiful ???
Image credits: dedly_auntie
#9 Fully Bedazzled Bmw
Image credits: yellowpurplezebra
Such consumer behavior was first observed by researchers Masaaki Kurosu and Kaori Kashimur in the 90s who were studying human-computer interaction at the Hitachi Design Center.
They tried testing 26 variations of an ATM user interface (this usually involves screens and other elements that create a connecting point between humans and computers), asking 252 participants to evaluate their aesthetic appeal as well as ease of use. They found that the influence of aesthetics was stronger in their ratings of user experience than the actual ease of use.
#10 Hat Left Behind At Our Bar
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#11 This Drag Queen’s Final Premiere Look
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#12 Would You Attend This Wedding?
Image credits: britishDDs
However, even though a pretty design can make people blind to minor usability problems, it can’t cover up the large ones. Let’s say you’re entering a website and you’re met with large, visually appealing pictures throughout the entire page. Initially, you might appreciate the photos. However, as you start to browse through, you begin to notice the site’s low information content, and it becomes hard to look for the things that interest you. Frustrated, you might exit the page and never come back.
#13 Casio Solved A Problem Nobody Had In 1979
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#14 Just Saw This At A Vintage Store
Image credits: Voi_Quincy
#15 Hand-Knitted Portrait Of King Charles. Took Her Over A Year
Image credits: ProphetMuhamedAhegao
That’s why it’s important that function and form work together. When products aren’t easy to use or functionality is sacrificed for aesthetics, users can lose patience, and companies can say goodbye to returning customers.
#16 Found This Gaz-24 Volga With A Very Questionable Interior For Sale Here In Germany
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#17 This Painting At My Friend's Work
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#18 Keyboard Jacket
Image credits: NexusRaven7
Another reason why product designers shouldn’t rely only on aesthetics is its subjective nature. Beauty is personal to each individual's culture and demographic. So color schemes, fonts, and symbols can be evaluated differently depending on the user’s experiences and background. A Korean person might find a bright red interface inviting, while someone from the US might find it too loud and distracting.
#19 Behold, The Truck Fountain Of Cullman, Alabama
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#20 My Wife's Friend Gave This Chair A Glow Up
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#21 My Wife Works At A High End Jewelry Store Specializing In Estate Sales Where They Just Got This Epcot Lookin' A*s Monstrosity. Every Single One Of Those Is A Real Diamond
Image credits: TokenStraightFriend
So how can creators achieve the balance between function and aesthetics? Experienced product manager and innovator Chris Kalaboukis recommends starting with the user. “Understand their needs, preferences, and behaviors. This ensures that both the aesthetic and functional design cater to the end-user.”
#22 Octopus Bomber Jacket
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#23 Estate Sale
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#24 This Abomination
Image credits: IsakAronV
After the designer has thought about their audience, it’s important to continually refine the product based on user feedback, which ensures a balance between form and function. A few other strategies that can help balance form and function are collaboration with other disciplines (e.g., engineers, marketers) and technology usage. All of these can improve the product while maintaining a sleek look.
#25 Would You Have A Favorite Side To Sit On?
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#26 It Looks Great... But Why In The Living Room? Will The Furniture Just Float On Top?!
Image credits: LatteMeowCatto
#27 Sadly, The Body Was Never Found
Image credits: bimbobbygirl
Lastly, Kalaboukis reminds creators not to forget sustainability. “Factor in sustainability as an element of design. Eco-friendly designs that are both beautiful and functional resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.”
#28 Sofa Built Into The Floor
Image credits: VooseLagina
#29 This Torn Angel Wings Tattoo
Image credits: rosebushes_
#30 This Manicure
Image credits: anastasia_dedonostia
