If you had to choose between aesthetics and quality e*******n in products, which one would you prefer? On the one hand, we enjoy looking at beautiful things. On the other hand, an attractive appearance can only get us so far. An item that is unusable but looks pretty serves no purpose. Meanwhile, an object that is functional but has an unattractive appearance often deters us from using it.
To make your decision easier, we have a whole list of creations that lack taste but have great e*******n. Scroll down to find them, and make sure to let us know if the lack of aesthetic appeal would put you off from using or purchasing them.
#1 Vintage Coin Purse, Date Unknown
Image credits: abaganoush
#2 A TV Set From The 70s
Image credits: BaronVonBroccoli
#3 Compliments Well To His Missing Arm LOL
Image credits: brunetteheadbb
In the battle of aesthetics vs. function, visually pleasing appearance seems to be winning. As the theory of the aesthetic-usability effect suggests, users tend to see attractive products as more usable.
People are inclined to think that aesthetically appealing items will work better, even if they are actually more defective or inefficient. Pretty appearance also makes cosnumers more tolerant of minor errors in design.
#4 My Girlfriends 21st Bday Cake
Image credits: MallCopsXXL
#5 Chernobyl Humidifier On Etsy
Image credits: CalmScientist
#6 It’s A Turtleneck
Image credits: fishbethany
In fact, it was found that around 75% of users would trust a website that is pleasing to the eye. This, of course, goes beyond digital pages. Applications, dashboards, and physical designs also have better user perception if they look attractive.
This proves that user experience can’t be just functional. Attractive design shouldn’t be just a ‘nice’ addition, it plays a big role in how consumers perceive products.
#7 Beaded Cig Earrings I Made! So Trashy Yet So Beautiful ???
Image credits: dedly_auntie
#8 Spotted On Marketplace. Think This Qualifies? Electric Guitar Made Of Bike Parts That Houses A Bottle Of Jd
Image credits: Wonkypubfireprobe
#9 This Drag Queen’s Final Premiere Look
Image credits: ish0uldn0tbehere
Such consumer behavior was first observed by researchers Masaaki Kurosu and Kaori Kashimur in the 90s who were studying human-computer interaction at the Hitachi Design Center.
They tried testing 26 variations of an ATM user interface (this usually involves screens and other elements that create a connecting point between humans and computers), asking 252 participants to evaluate their aesthetic appeal as well as ease of use. They found that the influence of aesthetics was stronger in their ratings of user experience than the actual ease of use.
#10 Would You Attend This Wedding?
Image credits: britishDDs
#11 Just Saw This At A Vintage Store
Image credits: Voi_Quincy
#12 This Painting At My Friend’s Work
Image credits: doginthewindow123
However, even though a pretty design can make people blind to minor usability problems, it can’t cover up the large ones. Let’s say you’re entering a website and you’re met with large, visually appealing pictures throughout the entire page. Initially, you might appreciate the photos. However, as you start to browse through, you begin to notice the site’s low information content, and it becomes hard to look for the things that interest you. Frustrated, you might exit the page and never come back.
#13 Fully Bedazzled Bmw
Image credits: yellowpurplezebra
#14 My Wife’s Friend Gave This Chair A Glow Up
Image credits: maybesteveo
#15 Hand-Knitted Portrait Of King Charles. Took Her Over A Year
Image credits: ProphetMuhamedAhegao
That’s why it’s important that function and form work together. When products aren’t easy to use or functionality is sacrificed for aesthetics, users can lose patience, and companies can say goodbye to returning customers.
#16 Keyboard Jacket
Image credits: NexusRaven7
#17 Found This Gaz-24 Volga With A Very Questionable Interior For Sale Here In Germany
Image credits: DAN4O4NAD
#18 Casio Solved A Problem Nobody Had In 1979
Image credits: joecooool418
Another reason why product designers shouldn’t rely only on aesthetics is its subjective nature. Beauty is personal to each individual’s culture and demographic. So color schemes, fonts, and symbols can be evaluated differently depending on the user’s experiences and background. A Korean person might find a bright red interface inviting, while someone from the US might find it too loud and distracting.
#19 Hat Left Behind At Our Bar
Image credits: Leading-Occasion4886
#20 Estate Sale
Image credits: parbarostrich
#21 This Abomination
Image credits: IsakAronV
So how can creators achieve the balance between function and aesthetics? Experienced product manager and innovator Chris Kalaboukis recommends starting with the user. “Understand their needs, preferences, and behaviors. This ensures that both the aesthetic and functional design cater to the end-user.”
#22 Behold, The Truck Fountain Of Cullman, Alabama
Image credits: OriginalLu
#23 Octopus Bomber Jacket
Image credits: fishbethany
#24 My Wife Works At A High End Jewelry Store Specializing In Estate Sales Where They Just Got This Epcot Lookin’ A*s Monstrosity. Every Single One Of Those Is A Real Diamond
Image credits: TokenStraightFriend
After the designer has thought about their audience, it’s important to continually refine the product based on user feedback, which ensures a balance between form and function. A few other strategies that can help balance form and function are collaboration with other disciplines (e.g., engineers, marketers) and technology usage. All of these can improve the product while maintaining a sleek look.
#25 It Looks Great… But Why In The Living Room? Will The Furniture Just Float On Top?!
Image credits: LatteMeowCatto
#26 Would You Have A Favorite Side To Sit On?
Image credits: PadawanPineapple
#27 $2000 For This Custom Made Used Sink
Image credits: upvoatsforall
Lastly, Kalaboukis reminds creators not to forget sustainability. “Factor in sustainability as an element of design. Eco-friendly designs that are both beautiful and functional resonate with environmentally conscious consumers.”
#28 This Torn Angel Wings Tattoo
Image credits: rosebushes_
#29 Sadly, The Body Was Never Found
Image credits: bimbobbygirl
#30 This Manicure
Image credits: anastasia_dedonostia
#31 Claws ?
Image credits: kamilayao_0
#32 This Is Genuinely My Favorite Unhinged Marketplace Find Of All Time
Image credits: DandelionsDandelions
#33 Sofa Built Into The Floor
Image credits: VooseLagina
#34 ?i’m Curious As To What This Wedding Dress Is Meant To Symbolize ??♀️??♂️ By Yves Saint Laurent • Spring 2002
Image credits: Sedna_ARampage
#35 It’s A Look I Guess
Image credits: phido
#36 Fancy Toilet With Funny Dress
Image credits: Faith_SC
#37 Found This Yesterday In Ig
Image credits: Fluid_Fox23
#38 Interesting
Image credits: jjmontuori
#39 This Countertop Redone With Paper Bags To Resemble Leather
Image credits: Zuzilla121
#40 Ear Grillz
Image credits: fishbethany
#41 Looking For November Nail Ideas? Happy Thanksgiving! Gobble Gobble
Image credits: Stupid_cray0n
#42 Not Sure About This One
Image credits: ChocoCharmChic10
#43 From A State Fair Baking Competition
Image credits: glassofwhy
#44 This Tattoo Artist Probably Graduated From One Of Canadas Top Business Schools With Really Good Grades
Image credits: Yo-yo_mas_mama
#45 I See Your Atbge Tattoos And Raise You This Masterpiece
Image credits: machococks
#46 Speaker Box In The Back Of A Station Wagon
Image credits: deadliestcrotch
#47 This $100k+ Wristwatch
Image credits: Exirr
#48 These Mschf Boots
Image credits: fishbethany
#49 Curtains At A Beer Bar Made From The Literal Leftovers From Beer Production. Seen At Copenhagen Airport
Image credits: ceruleandope
#50 Swags B)
Image credits: overactivesim
#51 Foetus Lamp
Image credits: OneOfTheNephilim
#52 This Ring With Breast Milk And Baby’s Hair In The Shape Of The First Letter Of Their Name (Reposted With Text Removed)
Image credits: Ohiko_Nishiyama
#53 Finger Finger Nails
Image credits: Phedericus
#54 Moldy Strawberry Nails
Image credits: aquarosey