Interface Lab

What Is Beautiful Is Usable

Examines links between perceived beauty and perceived usability using an ATM simulation.
Tractinsky et al. (2000)Journaldoi:10.1016/S0953-5438(00)00031-X

Citation

Tractinsky, N., Katz, A. S., & Ikar, D. (2000). What Is Beautiful Is Usable. Interacting with Computers, 13(2), 127–145.

Method

Before-and-after-use experimental measurement.

Claims used

  • Aesthetic quality affected post-use perceptions of beauty and usability, whereas actual usability did not.

Limitations: One system type (ATM simulation).

Extracted principles

  • Aesthetics affect perceived usabilityNot tested

    An interface perceived as beautiful may also be rated easier to use regardless of actual usability, which must therefore be measured rather than merely asked about.

Project presentation