Understanding the Link between Aesthetics and Engineering in Product Design

Industrial design and styling is the activity associated with aesthetics and the evocation of human emotion through manufactured products. In today’s cost competitive global markets industrial design and styling is a significant lever in distinguishing products from others to potential customers. This paper investigates the current state of practice and research in linking aesthetics with engineering design. With the help of a case study, the research identifies major issues in the integration. The research also highlights the potential problems and opportunities for the integration of requirements, concept design, industrial design and styling via software.