| Abstrakt: |
Design science advocates focus on two possible roles for aesthetics: in evaluation of design products, or in normative claims as inform and direct the design process and choices designers make. On a general model of design success criteria, aesthetics may be one among several factors for success, others typically including cost, utility, and ease of use. This view is typical to industry and overall design practice. But such engagement with the aesthetic may be purely stipulative and frequently dispensed with, particularly when cost considerations drive out 'inessential' expenses. I propose that aesthetic values inevitably characterize design norms, as well as our success criteria of designed objects. Choosing to ignore such values does not lead to design that successfully avoids or eliminates aesthetic features. Indeed, the technical norms of design science indicate at least 'minimal' aesthetic values, which are smuggled in even on a most utilitarian construal of design science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
