Monday, March 23, 2009

Google : function vs aesthetics




Wired reports a clash in value dimensions - function vs aesthetics. A Google designer is leaving because the engineering data driven culture at Google is driving him mad.

Title: Google data culture drives designer crazy - and out here.

The comments are especially interesting showing the ongoing dimension clash between what works and what looks good. Google wants proof of what looks good, from user testing - the average best. Their data driven culture is good at answering what works fastest, but not so good at aesthetics. They tested 41 shades of blue to see which one had the best response from users.

Value dimensions are individual, and aesthetics perhaps more individual than function.

We are all equal, but some are more equal than others.