Ziyu Feng, Rong Yang

Rong Yang

May 05, 2026

Neuroaesthetics, Interaction design, Symmetry, Color.

Neuroaesthetics has gradually penetrated into the field of interaction design in recent years, providing a neuroscience perspective for understanding the aesthetic response of users to digital interfaces. This paper focuses on the two key visual elements of symmetry and color, and examines how they shape user engagement. Existing studies have shown that symmetry reduces cognitive load and triggers pleasure, thereby enhancing the perceptual balance and attractiveness of the interface. In terms of color, based on the ecological valence theory, warm colors tend to enhance emotional arousal and motivational behavior, while cold colors help to maintain concentration and calm. This paper first outlines the core framework of neuroaesthetics, focuses on the aesthetic triplet model, namely the sensory-motor, knowledge-meaning, and emotion-value systems, and reviews the application of techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) in quantifying aesthetic preferences. Then, an analytical framework combining theory and practice is constructed to demonstrate that in mobile application and web design, the rational use of symmetrical structure and color matching can significantly prolong the user's residence time, improve the interaction rate and overall satisfaction. The discussion part focuses on the advantages and limitations of these mechanisms, covering the enhancement of emotional connection, the improvement of processing fluency, as well as cultural variation and individual differences, and gives specific design suggestions: for example, priority should be given to the use of symmetrical grids with neutral-warm colors to achieve dual optimization of cognition and emotion. By analyzing contemporary cases such as iOS interface iteration, and combining multimodal studies such as balanced composition and furniture aesthetic evaluation, this paper verifies the applicability of these principles in digital interaction scenarios. Finally, the article points out that neuroaesthetics is expected to promote more humane interaction design, and suggests that the future can be explored around the neural mechanism of AI personalized aesthetics, VR/AR dynamic interaction and social aesthetics of interactive body perception. Overall, this paper integrates recent empirical evidence to provide actionable neuroscientific insights for interaction designers and promote the deep integration of aesthetics and function.

© 2026, the Authors. Published by ISCCAC

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license