The Purpose of Product When Getting Organized: It’s Not Just Pretty, It’s Neuroscience.

Are organizing products just to look “pretty”? Yes and no. But there’s an explanation.

There are many reasons storage products serve a purpose. The field of neuro-aesthetics is a growing area of study and shows that, “The human mind is constantly drawn to anything that embodies some aspect of symmetry. Our brain seems programmed to notice and search for order and structure” (Du Sautoy 2008).

Aesthetics

When something looks nice, our brains not only tend to be drawn to it but we also tend to want to keep it that way. Storage benches or open bins help conceal the things you don’t use every day, allowing you to maintain a minimalist environment.

Choosing the right product can allow things to be out of sight but not out of mind. We are tending to a lot of information overload in today’s world, so having packages with contrasting images and shapes and sizes can be overwhelming in a kitchen. Searching for a shirt in a wide open drawer that doesn’t have dividers can be just a slight bit exhausting.

Now this doesn’t mean everything has to go in a container. If it isn’t logical or it’s adding an extra step that you prefer not to have, then make a choice. It really depends on personal preferences, habits, and even the other people involved.

Function

Storage products like baskets, bins, and drawer dividers allow you to categorize your belongings in a way that makes sense. This reduces the likelihood of items piling up or becoming misplaced over time. We love recommending strategic products with handles, dividers, and adjusters.

When something is easy to use, we want to use it!

Flexibility

Not all storage products are created equal. Many products can be customized to fit different spaces or needs. Modular shelving units, adjustable drawer organizers, and stackable bins allow you to tailor your storage to new spaces if you move or remodel.

But aesthetics can still play a part here. A study showed that “for products where perceived functionality is more critical than perceived [pleasantness], it may be advantageous for product contours to be designed angular rather than curved.  Conversely, for products where [pleasurable] perceptions are more critical, contours of the product should be curved or rounded, rather than angular” (Ghoshal and team, 2016).

For functionality, angular designs are suitable, but for a pleasing appearance, products with curved designs are better.

Maintenance

By creating a space where everything has a designated place, our brain learns to associate tidiness with ease, function, and well-being. This creates a positive cycle and ensures a system lasts or can be easily adapted.

Prevention

Storage products are key to supporting an intentional lifestyle. For example, transparent storage containers allow you to see exactly what you have, so you’re less likely to over-purchase or hold onto items you don’t use. Investing in the right storage products can save money in the long run.

Why Storage Products Improve a Space

Humans have a natural need for control over their environment. When our surroundings are in disarray, we feel unsettled. An organized space provides a sense of stability over our surroundings, which is satisfying and soothing.

In fact, the principles of great art also apply to the design of our environment: “repetition, rhythm, orderliness: beauty is inseparable from the appearance of order” Lehrer (2009).

This gives us a sense of autonomy that allows us to feel equipped to handle tasks in other aspects of our lives.

You may be surprised by the products out there to bring ease to your daily living. If you’re curious, visit the “Shop” page for the Amazon Recommendations!

Works Cited:

Jonah Lehrer. 2009. “Unlocking the Mysteries of the Artistic Mind.” Psychology Today, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 72-77.

Marcus Du Sautoy. 2008. Symmetry: A Journey into the Patterns of Nature. New York: HarperCollins.

Tanuka Ghoshal, Peter Boatwright, and Malika M. [no surname provided]. 2016. “Curvature from All Angles:  An Integrative Review and Implications for Product Design.”