The Book

Bridging the gap between the study of aesthetics and its application in the merchandising and design environments, the 2nd Edition of Understanding Aesthetics presents a research-based focus on the concepts of aesthetics and their effect on product value and consumer behavior. The multisensory approach to studying the elements and principles of design helps students master the underlying factors of successful design and learn how products and their promotional surroundings can establish brand identity and create a pleasing environment for the consumer.

Table of Contents

Part 1: A Primer on Aesthetics



Chapter 1: Defining Aesthetic Experience
Chapter 2: Apparel, Body, and Environment as Contributors to Aesthetic Experience
Chapter 3: Value Derived from Products and Environments
Chapter 4: Factors Influencing Aesthetic Evaluation or Preference


Part 2: Element and Principle of Design of the Apparel Product and Environment


Chapter 5: Visual Elements of Design
Chapter 6: Visual and Tactile Elements of Design
Chapter 7: Auditory and Olfactory Elements of Design
Chapter 8: Complexity, Order and Novelty
Chapter 9: Principles of Design


Part 3: Aesthetics Related Skills and the Apparel Professional


Chapter 10: Creative Activities and Skills
Chapter 11: Developers, and Promoters of Textile and Apparel Products



Part 4: Applications of Aesthetics Related Skills Used by Apparel Professional


Chapter 12: Perceiving Form: The Body and Apparel
Chapter 13: Abstracting across Products within Collections
Chapter 14: Fashion Trend Forecasting
Chapter 15: Communications to Promote Apparel

About The Authors

Ann Marie Fiore is a professor, Director of Graduate
Education, and Co-Associate Chair of the Department of Apparel, Educational
Studies, and Hospitality Management at Iowa State University.