The original post: /r/aliens by /u/Some_Indication_4877 on 2024-06-24 19:05:23.
Premise: Contextual aesthetic evolution maintains that the appearance and design of technological objects, as well as the representations of cultural phenomena, are continually transformed influenced by technological advances, cultural currents and fashions prevailing in each era. This process reflects a dynamic interaction between technical innovations and sociocultural trends, shaping our perception and design of what surrounds us.
The theory proposes that as technology advances and societies change, our expectations and aesthetic tastes also adapt. Thus, what we consider modern and avant-garde at a given moment is deeply influenced by the cultural and technological context in which we live. This evolution is not only manifested in tangible objects such as electronic devices and consumer products, but also in representations of abstract concepts and cultural phenomena, such as the image of UFOs.
By understanding this theory, you can appreciate how aesthetics and design are not static entities, but dynamic reflections of our technological and cultural evolution. This knowledge is crucial for designers, researchers, and marketing strategists seeking to create products and messages that resonate deeply with contemporary sensibilities.
Examples:
Mobile phones:
In the 1980s, mobile phones were large and heavy, reflecting the technology available at the time. They were more of a technological novelty than a fashion accessory.
In the 2000s, phones began to become more compact and stylish, with flip-style designs and physical keyboards, responding to the demand for portability and style.
Today, smartphones dominate, with large touchscreens and slim designs, reflecting advances in display technology and a focus on minimalist aesthetics.
Televisions:
Televisions of the 1950s and 1960s were bulky and had large wooden frames, designed more like furniture than electronic devices.
In the 1990s, TVs became flatter, although still quite heavy, indicating advances in display technology but without sacrificing sturdiness.
Currently, televisions are ultra-thin, with almost non-existent bezels and very high resolutions, aligning with the trend of maximizing the visual experience and modern aesthetics.
Representations of UFOs:
In the 1950s and 1960s, UFOs were commonly described as flying saucers, with simple, streamlined shapes, reflecting the retro-futuristic Atompunk aesthetics of the space age.
During the 1980s and 1990s, influenced by films such as "Star Wars" and "Star Trek," descriptions of UFOs became more diverse and detailed, showing more complex and technological spacecraft.
Today, UFO accounts often include more sophisticated and advanced designs, with LED lights and geometric shapes, reflecting the influence of contemporary aesthetics and advancement in aerospace technology cyberpunk.
