On the Aesthetics of Outliners, Pims, and Personal Knowledge Applications

Posted by Tom S.
Oct 21, 2009 at 09:19 AM

I’ll add to Stephen’s reply, which I agree with.

If you are going to use an application every day and use it allot, its quite a bit more pleasant to use something aesthetically pleasing. You are much more likely to want to use it and, therefore, to get things done. I’ve been working allot with PersonalBrain recently and I find the fact that its themeable to be both useful and intriguing. For instance, I try making different types of entries different colors to set off both their characteristics and my moods and global preferences, all at the same time. It looks and feels better.

I’m no more likely to want to use an ugly program than I am to want to eat a tasty dish that doesn’t look good on the plate. Its not that I won’t eat it (and like it). But I’ll be more likely to enjoy it that much more it if it appeals to the eyes, as well. How it looks affects the way it tastes, or at least the way we perceive that taste. Great chefs have understood that for a long time.

I will, however, agree with Manfred on one point. Aesthetics should never get in the way of functionality. It should, if possible, compliment it in the same way function and form complement each other in architecture.

Tom S.