Does Aesthetics’ Effect on Usability Extend Beyond Perceptions?

It is well documented that when someone observes another person, their perception of that person is affected by the person’s appearance (Dion et al., 1972; Eagly et al., 1991). These opinions are formed very quickly, at the first observation, and they tend not to change after more exposure or interaction with the person (Gladwell, 2005). Since humans are susceptible to the influence of the aesthetics of another person, it is not surprising that the affect also pertains to physical and virtual devices.