Most people think that design is about just making things look good and pretty. It is not worth the hassle or investment, as it doesn’t bring any value and has no purpose.
This is why some cities are full of plain and unattractive bloc houses, statues and most of the offices look very boring. If we take as an example developing countries where people are lacking the necessities of life, you would firmly insist that design won’t help enhance their life. We strongly believe that this is not true.
Dr. Antonio Damacio, a neuroscientist, conducted a study on patients that have no emotions. All of them could go on with their lives as normal, however, one thing they all had in common: they couldn’t make a decision. They couldn’t choose what to have for lunch. What to drink? tea or coffee? To wear black jeans tomorrow or blue?
Without emotion, there is no decision. Period. That’s why design plays an important role in human feelings and mood. One bedroom will make you feel one thing, the other one different. One room will make you feel inspired and powerful, the other one will make you feel sad and emotional.
There was another study that was conducted by the Japanese, where they created 2 ATMs identical in function, except one, had uniquely “designed buttons” and the other one had standard ones. The study showed that the ATM with a better design was the most favourite among users as it was “easier to use”. But the functionality is the same in both of them!