Engineerign Aesthetics

List of journal publications in these areas

List of international conferences according to areas of research is here.

Designers to Improve the Engineering Aesthetics of Products 

In today’s competitive market, product aesthetics plays a pivotal role in design and consumer decision-making. Alongside functionality, cost, and ergonomics, aesthetics significantly impacts consumer perceptions, influencing both visual and cognitive responses. This research focuses on developing frameworks, methods, and tools to help industrial designers enhance engineering aesthetics, a critical factor for product success.

The study begins by defining "engineering aesthetics" in philosophical and engineering terms, identifying its core constituents. A metrics system was established to evaluate human aesthetics, factors influencing it, and techniques for improvement. Recognizing the vital role of industrial designers in product development, the study emphasizes bridging the cognitive gap between designers and consumers.

In the first objective, factors influencing aesthetics were identified through literature and expert inputs. Cognitive differences between designers and consumers were explored through two case studies. The first case studied visual factors (e.g., curves, colors) influencing car purchases and design, using rank value methods, Pareto principles, and Fuzzy-AHP to identify and analyze perception gaps. The second case examined non-visual factors (e.g., reliability, ergonomics) affecting consumer perceptions, identifying 20 key sub-factors through surveys and analyzing their influence using DEMATEL.

The second objective quantified aesthetics constituents, focusing on "attractiveness" and "beauty." Attractiveness was measured through its impact on emotions and functionality, while beauty was analyzed using design elements, color schemes, and eye-tracking techniques. Mathematical tools and neural networks were employed to quantify these features, providing insights into their cognitive and visual impact.

Finally, a GUI tool was developed to apply these insights, aiding designers in enhancing engineering aesthetics systematically. This research offers significant contributions to understanding and improving product aesthetics, equipping designers with methods and tools to create visually and cognitively appealing products in a competitive market.