Chapter 1 Overview

Chapter 1 of “Designing for Emotion” was both interesting yet predictable. For example, it comes as no surprise to me that “designing for emotion is good for business”. I agree with this statement, but, I just have to point out, this is true for any product, service, and business – not just websites.

Every time you see an ad on television about food, clothing, vacations – you name it – these are all emotional appeals from businesses everywhere trying to win your attention – and your money.

So, this is where I would have to disagree with part of Chapter 1. Throughout the chapter, the author makes it seem as if “designing for emotion” is merely limited to the online world when, in fact, it is most definitely not. For instance, think back to when you first began thinking about college. Your were probably a sophomore or junior in high school, ready to get out and taste that independence. You began dreaming of what it would be like, and then bam! Your first college recruiter mail came in and you were even more excited. Come senior year, your house may have been flooded with pamphlets, letters, and postcards either mailed directly to you or ones you’d picked up at different college informational events and campus visits.

You may have felt these colleges and universities were personally reaching out to you because they cared about each individual potential student, but the truth is, they don’t have enough time for that! Each college carefully crafts out what the majority of high school students want to see in their dream college, and then they mass produce their messages and market to students like they would any other day.

It’s just good business!