The Effects of Aesthetics and Cognitive,Style on Perceived Usability

Abstract

This study assesses the influence of product aesthetics and user cognitive style on perceived usability. It also attempts to determine whether the two effects are independent of one another. It was predicted that the strength of the relationship between aesthetics and perceived usability depends on individual differences in cognitive style. To test this hypothesis, two functionally identical but aesthetically different computer applications were created. Participants took a test that assessed their cognitive styles, interacted with one of the two applications, and subjectively rated the application on both usability and aesthetic quality. Results showed a significant relationship between perceived aesthetic quality and perceived usability, and also between perceived aesthetic quality and objectively-defined aesthetic quality. No relationship was observed between objectively-defined aesthetic quality and perceived usability or between cognitive style and perceived usability, and no interaction between aesthetics and cognitive style was evident.

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