Sense of order: the effects of machine aesthetic on biomaterials favourability

Bahrudin, Fadzli Irwan and Liew, Yong Kian and Zakariya, Khalilah and Daud, Nuraini and DongMyung, Park (2025) Sense of order: the effects of machine aesthetic on biomaterials favourability. In: 6th Product Lifetimes and the Environment Conference (PLATE2025) , Aalborg, Denmark, 2-4th July 2025, Aalborg, Denmark.

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Abstract

Designers are increasingly creating materials from renewable and recycled sources to support a circular economy, aiming to mitigate the adverse effects of linear production and consumption. These materials are considered sustainable alternatives to non-renewable materials, such as fossil fuel-based plastics. While users may be drawn to the sustainability narrative and "biography" of such materials, the highly natural appearance of biomaterials can sometimes evoke unappealing user responses. This study examines how "machine aesthetics"—visible signs of production like graphical embossment and engraving—impact user perceptions of biomaterials. The research explores how surface alterations influence emotional responses and underlying appraisals by comparing reactions to biomaterial samples with a high degree of naturalness against those with embossed and engraved surfaces. Findings reveal that machine aesthetics evoke a sense of order, contributing to favourable responses and minimising other negative evaluations of the material aspects. Although users value biomaterials for their natural origins, structured human-imposed aesthetics satisfy a desire for aesthetic coherence and control. This finding suggests that people appreciate sustainable materials' natural imperfections when presented within a framework of manageability and familiarity.

Item Type:	Proceeding Paper (Invited Papers)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Material Experience; Sustainable Materials; Circular Economy; User Emotive Response
Subjects:	N Fine Arts > NB Sculpture > NB1160 Design and technique N Fine Arts > NK Decorative arts Applied arts Decoration and ornament > NK1520 Decoration and ornament. Design. Sustainable design
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design > Department of Applied Arts and Design Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design
Depositing User:	Asst. Dr Fadzli Irwan Bahrudin
Date Deposited:	28 Nov 2025 09:43
Last Modified:	28 Nov 2025 09:43
Queue Number:	2025-11-Q232
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/124717

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