Why you shouldn't ice your cakes?

Ever felt that a product was so attractive at first?

Only to realize later that it was not as good as you thought?

Most of the time when we use a new product/ meet a new person our decisions tend to be biased towards the first appearance/ impression.

Maybe only after several interactions/ experiences, we can easily have a clear and better judgement on the functionalities/ characteristics.

This simply can be called as :

The Aesthetic-Usability Effect.

A phenomenon where you tend to perceive visually appealing designs as more user-friendly and efficient. It means that the initial attractiveness of a product or design can influence our perception of its usability, even if it doesn't necessarily make it function better.

Aesthetics can be the primary reason to entice users but the usability of the product will retain the users for a longer period of time.

For eg : Consider a captivating website that takes infinite loading time. How will you feel?

It’s clear that both plays a significant role in shaping our judgments and decisions regarding a design or product. Thats why balancing this two major aspect is crucial in creating the best experience and in turn successful products.

Aesthetics

1. Attracts new customers
2. Establish trust

Usability

1. Increases engagement
2. Impacts customer retention

Considering both

1. Improves remembrance
2. Gives competitive advantage

There are other factors also which influences the overall user experience.

“Attractive things work better”

Don Norman coined the phrase as part of his exploration of aesthetics and the impact they have on our emotional state.

Aesthetics can be subjective across different cultures, cognitive style and demographics.

But regardless of all those differences -

If an appealing design is not serving the function properly or behaving the way it should - it can turn to an irritating experience.

In short - True design is beyond just aesthetics.

Only that It all comes down to the purpose / intent of the creation.

If the purpose is to follow our curiosity - Creating anything for the sake of beauty without following any principles and breaking all the rules is perfectly valid.

And following the principles of functionality, usability, and accessibility should be considered to make sure it helps people - if the intent is to do so.

By considering the Aesthetic-Usability Effect in your designs -

You can improve the user experience and create interfaces that not only ( functions ) behaves the way it should and also looks good as well.

Something which we all designers are responsible to do.

Quick Recap :

Captivating designs make users assume they're good to use.

( initial impression )

But real usability is what keeps users engaged and satisfied.

( lasting impression )

Functionality & Usability > Aesthetics.

Always remember :

1) Not everyone experiences your products/designs visually.

2) It’s only meaningful when people are actively engaging.

3) No one throws away something useful.

"Don't ice your cakes - before it's baked well enough!" : )

Any thoughts or different perspectives?

Drop them all in the comments! ??

P.S. Repost this if it made you think. It might help someone else also.

[ keep learning, keep designing and stay curious! ]