Delight

In a tune, a single note is experienced by the notes directly preceding and proceeding it. In the visual arts, a design is regarded by the proximity and relationship of its features — The related-ness of things. The connections, transitions, proportions, apparent similarities, or jarring juxtapositions. The context.

Good design is typically regarded as a pleasing correlation of minor features that make up the greater whole. Unfortunately, therefore good design is simply familiar design.

Familiar design endures because it is easy. It persists due to established production systems, its relationship to existing design, but more significantly due to user expectation. Users have a bias toward archetypal design — for design that looks and functions as expected.

We seek predictability.

Yet, we want something more, and its less tangible. We seek objects and experiences that give us a positive sense of surprise — delight.