Towards a methodology for inspiring and evaluating aesthetic design solutions

In an attempt to aid undergraduate product designers in designing form, this paper proposes a method for inspiring aesthetic design solutions. The methodology comprises a system to research, analyse and synthesise images from a verbal semantic ideal. The undergraduate designers went forward to create a range of design solutions using the images as a catalyst for design activity. This paper reports on the investigation undertaken to date, providing discussion on the techniques used during the methodology. It details a case study whereby undergraduate product designers proposed stylistic design solutions for a mobile phone based on a verbal semantic ideal. This case study aimed to deter theft through the aesthetic impression and semantic messages as perceived by the third party. Observation showed that this methodology can offer a “quick start”, initial inspiration and means of evaluating design solutions in terms of their aesthetic impression.