004 Aesthetic-Usability Effect
Aesthetic things are perceived to be easier to use than ugly things.
Aesthetic things are often subjectively rated as easier to use, even when no usability advantage can be objectively measured.1
The aesthetic-usability effect is consistent with research on attractiveness and positive first impressions. The effect is also consistent with the anecdotal evidence that aesthetic things are more effective at fostering positive attitudes than ugly things, making people more forgiving when minor performance or usability problems are encountered.2
Research exploring the boundaries of the aesthetic-usability effect have yielded mixed results, with some finding no evidence of a relationship. Possible explanations for the ...
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