Which aspect of design emphasizes the experience a customer has with a product?

Branding is the aspect of design that emphasizes the experience a customer has with a product. It encompasses not only the visual representation of a product, such as logos, colors, and typography, but also the overall perception and emotional connection that a customer develops with a brand. Branding influences how customers feel about a product and can significantly shape their interactions and experiences with it.

Through effective branding, companies can communicate their values, mission, and unique selling propositions to their target audience. This can enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction, as well as influence purchasing decisions. A strong brand creates an identity that resonates with customers, providing a consistent and memorable experience across various touchpoints, which is essential in a competitive marketplace.

In contrast, while functionality, materiality, and accessibility are important elements of design, they primarily focus on practical aspects of the product. Functionality relates to how well a product performs its intended function, materiality deals with the physical substances used in the design, and accessibility ensures that a product is usable by as many people as possible. These factors are vital for a product’s usability and appeal, but branding specifically addresses the experiential aspect, making it the correct focus for this question.