Research Seminar by Dr Luca Iandoli

In an environment saturated with information, products, and interfaces, users increasingly expect designs that are both simple and effective. Elegant Design: A Designer’s Guide to Harnessing Aesthetics examines how the tension between simplicity and complexity can be addressed by conceptualizing elegance as a form of ideal complexity: sufficiently rich to convey meaning, yet clear enough for immediate comprehension. Drawing on research at the intersection of cognitive science, information theory, and art, Luca Landoli demonstrates that aesthetic pleasure is not merely an optional enhancement, but a critical factor guiding decision-making in design, innovation, and product development. Utilizing over 100 visual examples and case studies, the book presents eight actionable strategies: four for enriching designs that lack engagement, and four for simplifying solutions that have become overly complex. This presentation is particularly relevant for scholars and students in information systems, human-computer interaction, innovation, and new product development who seek to understand how aesthetics can improve usability, sense-making, and adoption. Participants will gain a practical framework for iteratively balancing simplification and complexification to achieve elegant products, services, and user experiences.