Design is a multidisciplinary field that draws its inspiration from arts and social sciences, and is based on applied knowledge from various branches of study and marketing principles.
In present times, the appearance of a product is a crucial factor. The product should be attractive, appealing, and able to respond to cognitive aspects for efficient human interaction. Design plays a very critical role in this entire process. The first factor affecting the product form is its functionality and feasibility. It consists of sub-points such as ergonomics, configuration, cost, materials, and manufacturing. Emotive and cognitive aspects constitute the second factor and it covers aesthetics (beauty and sensory aspects) and product semantics (message and meaning).
Design is a mode of expression. We also see products with nature-inspired forms. Similarly, utilizing metaphors produces quirky kind of products. Nowadays, there is a high demand for a more structured manner. Hence, designers pay special attention to the narratives of any artifact’s appearance as soon as it enters conversations among different kinds of users. This assists in deciding the language and expression so that the product can be articulated effectively. In earlier times, the design was associated only with the visual appeal of a product. But, currently, this thinking has evolved and focuses more on providing enriching experiences and making interactive tech-savvy products for all kinds of users.
A detailed and interesting article providing some insights into the process of designing aesthetic and semantic aspects of a product can be found here. It is based on one of the sessions (delivered by Manasi Anand Kanetkar, faculty of Design) of the Virtual Seminar Series by IIT Gandhinagar.