beauty changes everything
Theories of beauty and taste have a long history in philosophy. However, new research—from neuroscience to organizational management to user experience and product design—has heightened our understanding about how aesthetics influences everyday decisions and actions.
Keeping a pulse on all that is new in aesthetics, ARL serves as a think tank to bring together different sectors engaged with aesthetic questions and solutions.
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Prior to 2020, the word ‘metaverse’ was not commonly used, especially not in daily discourse. That changed during the Covid-19 pandemic as many things transitioned online temporarily, and some for good. Suddenly, the metaverse became a buzzword people see and hear everywhere. Companies started hiring metaverse officers, and some people began claiming expertise in something … Continue reading Why Aesthetics Should Drive the Metaverse
Our personal taste—for example in art, fashion, or music—does not develop by accident; it is not passive. People choose what they view, wear, and follow. But companies and organizations know how to exploit our natural desires for beauty and aesthetics. Before the Internet became a household necessity, people often trusted a friend or family member … Continue reading TikTok Aesthetics
Aesthetics is a central motivation for human action. Yet, we continue to pretend that aesthetics is just an afterthought. Drawing from the history of aesthetics and current research in neuroaesthetics and beyond, ARL offers consulting, research, and speaking to show how aesthetics can make a difference in your work and life.
Featured work includes moderating a webinar on “Art and Aesthetics in the Healthcare Environment” for the project Applied Neuroaesthetics (NY); creating a workshop for the Executive Design Studio, called “Is Your Business Beautiful?”(LA/NY); leading a workshop for teens at a nonprofit graphic design studio, Artists for Humanity (BOS); and collaborating on digital fashion and aesthetics with the think tank Fashion Forward (NY).
I’ve taken several classes from Michael Spicher. I can’t say enough about his abilities. He’s a wonderful teacher and a sensational speaker. He presents his material in a clear and concise way that makes his subjects understandable and relevant to all his students, no matter their level of prior knowledge or experience. He’s a personable, articulate man with a terrific sense of humor. I would go to one of his classes or attend one of his lectures in a heartbeat.
Gary K. Wolf
Creator of Roger Rabbit
The aesthetic dimension of business and business leadership is more than a matter of appearances. It is a matter of insight and the essential underpinnings of what we perceive, how we think and what and how we create. Michael Spicher’s insights run deep and he communicates them from a place of active inquiry. He is a scholar, but also an explorer, an honest broker of ideas and well worth listening to.
John Cimino
President & Founder, Creative Leaps International
