The main hypothesis of the thesis is that between two systems identical in functionality
and usability, di erences in aesthetics may positively in
uence users perceived usability.
To date, a narrow focus on the engineering aspects of aesthetics has adversely a ected
the scope and success of experiments, therefore previous work in the eld needed to be
revisited.
The thesis reviews literature and theory in usability and aesthetics, the latter from
the point of the view of philosophy, theory, and application. It also explores the
relationship between aesthetics, usability and user engagement; discusses a distinct new
trend research that identi es a link between beauty and perceived usability of website
interaction; and develops a pilot for an experimental methodology.
Based on conclusions from the review of the eld of usability, two experiments where
designed and carried out, an independent measures and repeated measures. The ndings
of these experiments con rmed the hypothesis that perceived usability was positively
in
uenced by higher aesthetics
