Engineering designers neglect aesthetics

A recent survey has revealed that design engineers do not consider product appearance their highest priority.

A recent survey has revealed that design engineers do not consider product appearance their highest priority.

Indeed, not one of those questioned placed appearance as the top priority.

The survey, carried out on behalf of Hothouse Product Development Partners, showed that 76% of design engineers questioned viewed function as the top priority of their designs.

"These results are disappointing, yet not surprising", commented Neville Pryke, Senior Partner at Hothouse.

"Clearly function is a given, but aesthetics, image and importantly, ergonomics, serve to encourage the user's acceptance of a product and also to differentiate it from its competitors.

Ultimately, this has a direct influence on sales".

The survey, carried out by an independent research company, also showed that only 24% of design engineers give equal priority to both product function and appearance.

"This result at least indicates that some design engineers do also focus on product marketability", stated Pryke.

"We have witnessed time and again that aesthetics play an important part in the perceptions of people.

We have had recent experience of an engineering led company, that was previously hesitant to use industrial design, that has, by using design, witnessed increased sales beyond its targets.

Design input has raised awareness of its brand and opened up new market of opportunity for the company.

In today's sophisticated product environment function is simply not enough".

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