The term 'aesthetics' concerns our senses and our responses to an object. If something is
aesthetically pleasing to you, it is 'pleasurable' and you like it. If it is aesthetically displeasing to you,
it is 'displeasurable' and you don't like it. Aesthetics involves all of your senses - vision, hearing,
touch, taste, and smell - and your emotions.
http://www.ergonomics4schools.com/lzone/aesthetics.htm
Vision
Colour
Shape
Pattern
Line
Texture
Visual
weight
Balance
Scale
Movement
Contour
The outline of an object.
Contrast
Contrast of colour,
shape, size, space,
scale creates visual
attraction, different
shapes can be used
to provide contrast
in a composition.
Similar shapes may
not be as visually
appealing.
Focal point
Is the visual
point /centre of
interest in a
composition.
Visual elements
and principles
are used to
direct the
viewer's eye to
this point.
Balance
radial, where the
design elements
radiate out from a
centre, as in the petals
of a daisy or the face
of a clock;
formal (or
symmetrical), where
the design on one side
of a centre line is
identical to the other
side, as in the front
view of an animal or a
chair;
informal (or
asymmetrical),
where the
elements of a
design are
distributed
unequally, as in the
side view of a
teapot.
Harmony and Contrast
A harmonious design is
one in which its different
elements are in unity
with each other for
example, its colours may
blend together well. A
harmonious design
might be considered
appropriate for the
furnishings of a relaxing
environment, such as a
bedroom.
Contrast, the opposite
quality to harmony,
involves the use of
opposing elements,
such as clashing colours
and shapes, in the same
design. Contrast in a
design may be more
appropriate for a
stimulating
environment or when
impact is wanted, such
as in many advertising
layouts.
Proportion
Proportion has to do with
the relationship between
different parts of an object
or its component pieces
(or between those parts
and the object as a whole).
The proportions of an
object made to be used,
such as a teapot or a jug,
may have a functional as
well as an aesthetic
purpose.
Style
Style is most often related to
aesthetics rather than
function. Style is
ever-changing and is often
subjective. What may be
considered ugly or gauche one
year may be the height of
fashion the next. Whereas it's
possible to make objective
judgments on the success of a
functional design, judgments
on style are much more
subjective and reliant on
individuals' personal
responses.
Modern
Old-fashioned
Classical
Sleek
Retro
Simple
Functional
Futuristic
Plain
Unusual
Mimalistic
Kitsch
Playful
Boring
Touch
Texture
Shape
Weight Give
Comfort
Temperature
Vibration
Sharpness
Ease of use