Microblog: Emotional Design

Chapter One - Attractive Things Work Better

Summary

In experiments run on both the Japanese and Israeli people attractive designs were found to be easier to use, or more enjoyable than unattractive designs. The author asserts that this is because of the positive affect that is created with an attractive design, leading to more creative ways of functioning. Three levels of processing are explored: visceral, behavioral, and reflexive. Visceral is very reactive and mostly hardwired the same in everyone. Behavioral is not conscious and is developed based on culture and influences. Reflexive is the highest with the ability to examine self.

Discussion

The idea that positive affect creates a more relaxed and creative environment is not surprising. Although, it may not always be best for technology to be designed with positive affect in mind. In certain situations, like the plant control room the author mentions, a negative affect may be required at times. Similarly a system which is trying to be in command should project negative affect to gain respect.

Chapter Two - The Multiple Faces of Emotion and Design

Summary

There are three levels of perception: visceral, behavioral and reflective. Each has an effect on design. Visceral perceptions are usually related to appearance, while behavioral relate to the ease of use and reflective perceptions contribute to the level of contentment a user feels toward a device.

Discussion

This chapter raised some interesting questions for me about the way products are marketed and designed. It makes perfect sense that a product which does well in these perceptive categories will sell better -- especially reflective perception.

Chapter Three - Three Levels of Design

Summary

There are three levels of design: visceral, behavioral and reflective. Visceral is more about emotions emitted from the design. Behavioral focuses on the actual use of the design in a productive manner. Reflective focuses on the meaning of the desing to the individual.

Discussion

This was an interesting expansion on the three levels of design. Many of the concepts are common sense, but easy to forget about in everyday life. I feel like this chapter is one that should be heavily consulted during product design.