AN AESTHETICS FRAMEWORK FOR DISCUSSING ‘INCLUSIVE’ ISSUES IN DESIGN
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Macdonald, A. S.
Section: MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASPECTS OF DESIGN
Page(s): 1127 - 1132
Abstract
One issue which faces designers and engineers is that of the aesthetic acceptability of products and systems for an ageing population. We may be able to provide for functional and usability requirements but have difficulty with complex aesthetics issues raised by ageing or disability. This paper discusses a framework for considering aesthetics for an ageing population and asks if this is informed in any way by fresh understanding gained from new 'inclusive' models, and if so, do these models limit or enlarge our thinking of aesthetic issues. It explores aesthetics through a three level framework which may prevent engineers and designers overlooking important aesthetic issues.
Keywords: aesthetics framework, inclusive design