Michael Roller

Thoughts on Aesthetics

About a week ago, I asked a question on how we should approach the styling of products. Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback and helped me think through my own response. Here is what I’ve realized:

We should design for ourselves more often. Passionate designers place high expectations on their work and the products they create. Because consumers don’t always expect great product experiences, sometimes we have to show them rather than listen to them. The best way to stay passionate about your work is to do what you think is right for the project. This won’t be the case with every project, but in my experience, when I trust my aesthetic compass I’m right more often than I think.

Aesthetics are an opportunity to connect with people on a cultural level. The work of styling an object can range from matching room decor to representing iconic elements of culture. When aesthetics are used to represent culture, designers have the ability to connect with groups of people on a deeper level. Styling can be challenging when a product needs to be globally acceptable, but even this is achievable as we live in a global society.

Know your aesthetic identity and when you shouldn’t use it. Good designers usually know how to style products for their consumers, but sometimes we struggle. For example, Kaleidoscope recently took on a project to design for pets. Since I’m allergic, I don’t understand the consumer or animal behaviors. I’m contributing ideas to this project, but looking to the pet owners to help choose the best directions. With projects like this, it’s best to recruit an experienced team that can support it’s needs and ensure it’s success.

Image via New York Times

2 Comments to Thoughts on Aesthetics

1. [...] always remembered this, but never captured it in words or images until now. Thinking critically on aesthetics, I realize now that it’s important to know when your intuitive design sense is appropriate to [...]
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2. [...] posted a lot about the importance of understanding one’s personal design aesthetic. Selecting my [...]
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