INNOVATION Magazine: Call for Contributions

Have Ideas about Psychology in Design?

Esteemed Designers, Writers, and Scholars,

The IDSA Publications Committee is eager to probe the community’s perspective on the topic of Seduction in Industrial Design. Send us written and/or graphic ideas about this provocative and invigorating theme that intertwines aesthetics, functionality, and psychological allure that will be considered for inclusion in an upcoming issue of INNOVATION Magazine.

The concept of seduction in industrial design transcends the mere visual appeal of products, delving into the realm where form and function align to create an irresistible pull on consumers. We are interested in reading insightful ideas that examine the subtle art of seduction in the creation of everyday products, the strategies designers employ to captivate users, and the ethical implications of such practices.

We invite original contributions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • The psychology behind seductive design: what makes a product irresistible? 
  • Case studies of products that exemplify the power of seductive design 
  • Seduction taken too far (i.e., designed obsolescence, monster trucks) 
  • The need for green product seduction 
  • Historical perspectives on seduction in industrial design and how it has evolved 
  • The interplay between sensory design elements (visual, tactile, auditory, etc.) and consumer attraction 
  • Analysis of design elements that contribute to the perceived value and desirability of products 
  • Sustainable design practices that don’t compromise on allure and appeal 
  • The role of technology and innovation in enhancing product seductiveness 
  • Ethical considerations and the fine line between enticement and manipulation 
  • How the seduction of design can change consumer behavior for the better of the planet
  • Can the seduction of good design create a solution to information overload (i.e., TikTok doom scrolling)?

We value and invite submissions from a diverse range of voices, including industry professionals, academic researchers, independent designers, and passionate writers with a keen eye for design and culture. Articles should be well-researched, engaging, and provide a novel perspective on the theme. Additionally, content does not have to be written. Ideas can be presented in the form of a graphic statement, poem, photo essay, etc.

 

Submission Guidelines

  • Articles should be between 1,000–1,500 words, if submitting written content 
  • Submissions must be original and not previously published or generated from AI 
  • Please include a brief bio (up to 25 words) and a headshot with your submission 
  • Submit your article in a Word document
  • Please include 2-3 high-resolution graphics, more is OK too, related to your submission (300 dpi) with proper credits and permissions

Deadline to submit your article: COB, January 26, 2024

Send all submissions to [email protected]

Questions? Please email IDSA Executive Director, Donté Shannon at [email protected]