30 Dec Italian sculptors as UX inspiration: Michelangelo Buonarroti, Antonio Canova, and Medardo Rosso

In the field of art, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Antonio Canova, and Medardo Rosso are renowned for their contributions as sculptors; however, their work also can have relevance as UX inspiration. This article will explore the ways in which the techniques and approaches of these three sculptors have connections to principles of UX design, and how their work can inspire and inform the UX design process. By examining the ways in which these artists used elements such as realism, attention to detail, storytelling, and non-traditional materials to create highly engaging and immersive works of art, we can see how similar principles can be applied in creating digital products and services. Through this exploration, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which art and UX design intersect, and how the insights and approaches of these three artists can inform and enrich the UX design process.

MICHELANGELO BUONARROTI

Michelangelo Buonarroti’s technique that played a significant role in his artistic style and approach was the concept of “non-finito” or leaving certain aspects of a work of art unfinished.
There are a few reasons Michelangelo’s use of the “non-finito” technique was important. One reason is that it allowed him to convey a sense of movement and dynamism in his works. By leaving certain details unfinished, Michelangelo was able to create the impression that his sculptures were in the process of becoming, rather than being static finished objects. This gave his work a sense of energy and life that helped to make them more engaging and compelling for viewers.

A connection between Michelangelo’s use of the “non-finito” technique and principles of UX design, is that the use of this technique can be seen as a way of engaging the viewer’s imagination and curiosity. By leaving certain details unfinished, Michelangelo was able to create a sense of mystery and complexity that suggested that there was more to his sculptures than what was immediately visible. This encouraged viewers to look more closely at the work, thus, think more about its meanings and implications. This is similar to how UX designers use elements such as open-ended questions or incomplete information to engage users and encourage them to explore and interact with a product or service.
Furthermore, just as the use of the “non-finito” technique can be seen as a way of creating a sense of dynamism and movement in a work of art, UX designers use elements such as animation or interactive features to create a sense of movement and engagement in a digital product or service.

In addition to his use of the “non-finito” technique, Michelangelo was also known for his attention to detail and his ability to create highly realistic and lifelike works of art. He was skilled at using techniques such as chiseling and carving to create highly detailed and realistic sculptures that looked as if they had been made of a variety of different materials. This attention to detail and realism can be seen as similar to how UX designers strive for accuracy and authenticity in their designs, as they seek to create products or services that are believable and feel true to life.
While there is not a direct correlation between Michelangelo’s work and UX design, there are some similarities in how both approaches seek to engage and inspire the viewer or user.

ANTONIO CANOVA

Antonio Canova was an Italian neoclassical sculptor who is considered one of the greatest sculptors of his time. Canova’s use of surface texture was noteworthy, as (just like Michelangelo) he was skilled at creating the illusion of different materials through the use of chiseling, carving, and other techniques. This attention to detail and realism helped him to create extremely lifelike and engaging sculptures that were admired for their beauty and technical mastery.
These same principles of realism and attention to detail are also important in UX design, as they help create a sense of believability and immersion in a digital product or service. In order to create a realistic and believable experience for users, UX designers must pay close attention to the details of their designs, ensuring that elements such as text, images, and buttons are accurately and effectively represented.

Besides the connections mentioned above, there are a few other ways in which Antonio Canova’s work as a sculptor can be seen as having some relevance to UX design. For example, we can see his use of storytelling and narrative in his sculptures, as being similar to how UX designers use elements such as storytelling and narrative to create a sense of purpose and meaning for a product or service. By using storytelling techniques, UX designers engage users, thus, make a product or service more meaningful and memorable.

Similarly, Canova’s use of symbolism and metaphor in his sculptures, using elements such as animals, plants, and other natural forms to convey symbolic meaning and metaphor, can be seen as parallel to how UX designers use elements such as icons, images, and other visual elements to convey meaning and create a sense of connection with users. By using these elements in a thoughtful and purposeful way, UX designers create a more meaningful and engaging experience for users.

MEDARDO ROSSO

Overall, the work of Italian sculptor Medardo Rosso has had a lasting impact on the art world and has some connections to principles of UX design. Rosso’s use of non-traditional materials such as wax, clay, and plaster helped him to create sculptures with an organic and fluid quality that seemed to be in the process of changing and evolving. This organic and dynamic quality can be seen as similar to how UX designers use interactive and animated elements to create a sense of movement and engagement in a digital product or service.

Moreover, Rosso’s use of non-traditional materials and innovative techniques broke free from traditional conventions and expectations. By experimenting with different materials and approaches, Rosso was able to create works that were fresh and original; thus, surprising and engaging viewers. Similarly, UX designers can also use unconventional or unexpected elements to capture the attention of users so as to encourage them to engage with a product or service.
Additionally, Rosso’s use of materials that were pliable and adaptable gave his works a sense of fluidity and movement that made them more engaging and dynamic. This is similar to how UX designers use responsive and adaptable elements to create movement and engagement in a digital product or service.

Finally, Rosso’s use of non-traditional materials and innovative techniques also created a sense of intimacy and connection with the viewer. By using materials that were soft and pliable and seemed to be in the process of changing and evolving, Rosso’s works seemed more alive and organic—inviting viewers to engage with them on an emotional level. UX designers can also use elements that create a sense of intimacy and connection with users to create a more engaging and immersive experience.

ABOUT THE THREE SCULPTORS

Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564) was an Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, architect, and poet who is considered one of the greatest artists in history. He was known for his ambitious and highly realistic works, and his technical mastery and attention to detail were unparalleled. Michelangelo’s work has had a significant influence on the development of the arts, and his sculptures, such as the David and the Pietà, are considered masterpieces.

Antonio Canova (1757-1822) was an Italian Neoclassical sculptor who is considered one of the greatest sculptors of his time. Canova was known for his highly realistic and detailed works, and his attention to surface texture and the illusion of different materials. His sculptures, such as the Pauline Borghese, are considered masterpieces of the Neoclassical style.

Medardo Rosso (1858-1928) was an Italian sculptor who was known for his experimental and innovative approach to materials and techniques. He was a pioneer of the Impressionist movement in sculpture and is known for his use of non-traditional materials such as wax, clay, and plaster to create highly organic and dynamic works. Rosso’s sculptures, such as the Impression of a Centaur, are considered important contributions to the art world and are still admired today for their originality and technical mastery.