Dynamics and diversity in use: implications for aesthetics and usability

Mieke van der Bijl-Brouwer, Wouter Eggink

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
49 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The ease of use or usability of a product depends not only on product characteristics, but on the user characteristics and environment in which a product is used as well. Products that are used in varying use situations therefore have to meet varying usability demands. In our research on dynamics and diversity in use we study the means by which designers deal with these demands. In the course humanproduct relations of the bachelor Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) of the University of Twente, students learn to view and explore the relations between humans and products. These relations can consider aesthetics value, influence of behaviour and usability. When considering the dynamics or diversity of situations in which a product is used this does not only have implications for usability, it influences aesthetic relations as well. Our research on dynamic usability therefore allows for exploration with regard to implications for aesthetic demands. In the course these topics were brought together in a half-day multidisciplinary workshop. The topics were explored by means of theory and exercises. This paper gives an overview of this theory and is illustrated by exercises executed during the workshop and results of the design assignment (street furniture) in which students had to apply the theory. The collaboration in education between researchers in the fields of usability and aesthetics resulted in both interesting design education and inspiration for future research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 12th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education
EditorsC. Boks, C. McMahon, W. Ion, B Parkinson
Place of PublicationWiltshire, UK
PublisherThe Design Society
Pages230-235
Number of pages607
ISBN (Print)9781904670193
Publication statusPublished - 2 Sept 2010
Event12th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, E&PDE 2010: When Design Education and Design Research Meet - Trondheim, Norway
Duration: 2 Sept 20103 Sept 2010
Conference number: 12

Publication series

Name
PublisherThe Design Society

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, E&PDE 2010
Abbreviated titleE&PDE
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityTrondheim
Period2/09/103/09/10

Keywords

  • METIS-268510
  • Design methods
  • Usability
  • Aesthetics
  • multi-disciplinary design
  • IR-78408

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