Form, Function, and Comfort: Rethinking Product Design through the Lens of Ergonomics and Aesthetics

This study explores the intersection of ergonomics and aesthetics in product design, particularly focusing on their integration in consumer products. The problem stems from the limited research that addresses the seamless combination of ergonomic functionality and aesthetic appeal, especially in the Malaysian context. As consumers demand both comfort and visual appeal, product designers face challenges in balancing these two elements. The study aims to identify strategies for effectively integrating ergonomics and aesthetics to improve user satisfaction and product performance. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research gathered qualitative data from semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 20 product design experts. Quantitative data was collected through surveys from 100-150 end-users of ergonomic products. The findings reveal that products designed with both ergonomic and aesthetic considerations lead to higher user engagement, satisfaction, and market success. The results also highlight the influence of advanced technologies, such as AI and machine learning, in refining ergonomic design processes and customizing aesthetic elements to better meet consumer preferences. This study contributes to product design theory by providing empirical evidence of the critical role that ergonomics and aesthetics play in user acceptance. It also offers practical insights for designers, particularly in the Malaysian market, to adopt a more holistic approach in product development, ensuring that both functional and aesthetic criteria are met. Future research should investigate the application of emerging technologies in enhancing the integration of these two elements, particularly across diverse cultural and market contexts.