Humans enjoy being surprised, and clever and interesting designs often provide just that. The sight of an unexpected form, material or function can be truly captivating and bring a smile to one's face. This is why so many people love to collect odd and unique objects, from whimsical sculptures to unusual pieces of furniture. 

There is a certain method to our preferences madness. It’s probably not a surprise that symmetry seems naturally pleasing. Researchers Yi Huang, et al. found that our brains enjoy looking at symmetrical patterns more than asymmetrical alternatives. Young children will even stare at symmetrical objects for longer, even though similar, asymmetrical objects generally have more details.

We are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting experiences, and clever designs can provide just that. The sight of something truly unique and unlike anything seen before can be invigorating and exciting. Whether it's a piece of architecture, a new product design, or an artistic creation, clever designs can offer a glimpse into the future and inspire us to think differently about the world around us.

In fact, our brains really crave novelty. While studying the brain's response to a series of images, researchers Nico Bunzeck and Emrah Düzel found that whenever participants would see something unexpected, their body would produce dopamine. Think about that, novelty directly affects the pleasure centers of the brain. So try something new, even if its just a new recipe or lock screen background!

Armed with this knowledge, we can consider ways to introduce some design principles into our own lives. For example, we could rearrange their furniture to make the most of their living space, or incorporate more natural light into their home by installing larger windows or using light-reflecting surfaces. Similarly, we could choose furniture, décor, and accessories that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Another possibility is to look for solutions to everyday problems that are both efficient and visually appealing. For example, instead of using a cluttered collection of plastic containers to organize a pantry, someone could use elegant glass jars with labeled lids to create a functional and attractive storage solution. Minimalism might appeal to others, since removing clutter from a space can make it more functional and give it some novelty.