What term describes the appreciation of beauty in art and design?

The term that describes the appreciation of beauty in art and design is aesthetics. Aesthetics encompasses the principles and philosophies concerning beauty, taste, and visual appeal. In the context of art and design, it involves the study and evaluation of what makes works visually pleasing or meaningful to the observer. Understanding aesthetics is crucial for designers to create objects and environments that are not only functional but also evoke positive emotional responses and engage viewers on a sensory level.

In contrast, anthropometrics relates to the measurements of the human body and how those measurements influence design to accommodate human use. Ergonomics focuses on optimizing design for human use and comfort, ensuring that products are user-friendly and efficient. User-centred design, however, emphasizes tailoring the design process to meet the needs and preferences of users, but it doesn’t specifically address the appreciation of beauty. Thus, aesthetics is the most appropriate term in this context.