The Influence of Cognition and Feeling on Human Design
Human design is the process of creating products, services, or systems that cater to the needs of people. The human-centric approach is essential for successful design. But what are the factors that determine the success of a design? In this article, we’ll explore the influence of cognition and feeling on human design.
What is Cognition?
Cognition is the mental process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses. It includes processes such as perception, attention, memory, language, and thinking. Cognition plays a crucial role in design because it helps designers understand how people perceive and interact with their designs.
For instance, a designer needs to consider the user’s mental model while designing a product. The mental model is an individual’s internal representation of external reality. To design a usable product, the designer needs to ensure that the user’s mental model aligns with the product’s functions and features.
What is Feeling?
Feeling is the emotional response that people have to stimuli. It includes emotions such as joy, sadness, anger, and fear. Emotions play a vital role in design because they heavily influence the way people behave and interact with products.
For instance, a designer needs to consider the emotional impact of a product’s color scheme. Colors have a psychological effect on people, and different colors can evoke different emotions. Red, for instance, is associated with passion and energy, while blue is associated with calmness and peace.
The Interplay of Cognition and Feeling in Design
Cognition and feeling are interdependent in human design. A successful design requires a balance between cognitive and emotional aspects. A product that is only functional but lacks emotional appeal is unlikely to be successful. Similarly, a product that elicits emotions but has poor usability is unlikely to be successful.
To create a successful design, a designer needs to ensure that the cognitive and emotional aspects of a product work together seamlessly. For instance, a designer needs to ensure that the product is aesthetically pleasing while also being usable and functional.
Examples of Successful Human Designs
One example of a successful human design is the Apple iPhone. The iPhone’s design is intuitive and easy to use, which is a result of Apple’s consideration of users’ cognitive processes. The iPhone’s design also elicits emotional responses, with its sleek design and carefully crafted user experience.
Another example is the Tesla Model S. The Model S’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with its sleek lines and futuristic design. The Model S also elicits emotional responses, with its association with environmental responsibility and clean energy.
Conclusion
The influence of cognition and feeling on human design cannot be overstated. Successful design requires a balance between cognitive and emotional aspects. A designer needs to ensure that the product is both usable and aesthetically pleasing, and that it elicits emotional responses from users. By considering the interplay of cognition and feeling, designers can create products that cater to the needs of people while also making an emotional impact.
