Aesthetic...Or Not?

"Aesthetics are all around us, from dorm room inspirations and home decor to water bottles and popular aesthetics like cottagecore, coquette, and clean girl. In the age of social media and digital marketing, the aesthetic experience is literally in our devices, from our social media feeds to our lock screens to brands' webpages. There is even a comprehensive list of aesthetics!"

"Aesthetics is an entire field of study, defined by Britannica as "the philosophical study of beauty and taste." It's a field that helps us understand how we define, perceive, and are impacted by what we call aesthetic. I am currently taking a class in our Textiles and Apparel department that focuses on aesthetics and has given me insights into how visual and sensory qualities influence our judgments and experiences."

"The aesthetic experience is not automatic; rather, it is the individual who defines aesthetic qualities. This requires training of the senses and the mind to appreciate distinct qualities. This is why aesthetics are subjective. I may find floral and dot prints aesthetic, while someone else may prefer solids. Aesthetics consist of formal qualities, the perceivable features of the composition of the product or environment; symbolic qualities, which communicate the subjective meanings of aesthetics; and expressive qualities, which allow people to feel a sense of emotion."

Aesthetic appeal appears in marketing, retail spaces, social media feeds, dorm decor, and consumer products, driving viral interest and brand identity. Aesthetics is the philosophical study of beauty and taste that explains how people define and perceive aesthetic qualities. Perception of aesthetics is subjective and requires sensory and cognitive training to appreciate distinct qualities. Aesthetic qualities include formal features (composition and perceivable features), symbolic meanings (communicating subjective significance), and expressive aspects (evoking emotion). Aesthetics deliver non-instrumental benefits separate from utilitarian function. Sensory marketing campaigns and curated environments leverage these qualities to shape judgments and experiences.

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