19 October 2010
Stating what is “good design” is a tricky task. It’s hard for one person to decide that for the rest of us. But, if we can’t define it, then how can we achieve it? Design Informer (a beautiful blog, by the way) has broken down the concept of how to understand good design in terms of what tricks our mind likes to play. Skim the top, but take a little time to read the headings under “Principles of the aesthetic experience”.
Here’s the quick list:
- Grouping
- Symmetry and balance
- Peak shift
- Isolation
- Perceptual problem solving
- Contrast
- Generic viewpoint
- Metaphor
Symmetry and Balance
A symmetrical object taps into the same neural machinery made to help the mind detect other people or predators. The more symmetrical and balanced something like a human face is, the more perceived beauty that is interpreted by the mind. No human face is perfectly symmetrical, however when the two sides are nearly equal, they are seen at a metacognitive level as more beautiful. Some scientists have argued this is because asymmetrical organisms are suffering from disease and the mind has evolved to recognize that.
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