58 Technology: Engineering Our World Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. A ceramic cup fi lled with hot chocolate feels warm and secure when held. A cup made of polystyrene feels, and is, lighter than one made of ceramic and will not break if dropped. However, it is fl exible so it does not feel as safe when held in the hands and can tip over more easily (Figure 3-25). A cork or wooden fl oor feels comfortable to bare feet in a cool climate, while stone or ceramic may be preferred in a hot climate. Sometimes the shape of an object appeals to our visual sense. Scientists have shown that people prefer shapes with gentle curves rather than sharp points. Rounded and curved shapes stimulate the brain more than pointed or jagged shapes (Figure 3-26). Through vision, color also affects whether or not we fi nd something aesthetically pleasing. For example, green reminds us of trees and grass and is soothing. Red is associated with danger and anger but also with excitement. Orange and yellow are warm, cheerful colors, and tend to calm us. Why do you think that children’s toys are often painted in bright colors? What colors would you suggest for the packaging of organic foods? People want more from a product than for it to function correctly and be durable. Consumers want products that create an emotional response. Look at the two bottle openers in Figure 3-27. The blue bottle opener works as well as, but no better than, the common bottle opener. The blue opener, however, engages your emotions and invites you to pick it up. Pause for Thought Identify some products that you consider well designed. Explain your choices in terms of the eight characteristics of good design. Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com Figure 3-25. Some products do not feel right when held in your hand. Which cup would you prefer to use? All kind of people/Shutterstock.com Thomas Mølvig and Henning Larsen Architects Figure 3-26. The Wave in Denmark contains 114 apartments. Its shape was inspired by the local terrain. Alessi Figure 3-27. These bottle opener designs are very different, but they each work. Which of these openers would you enjoy using? Joseph McCullar/Shutterstock.com