Cool Feel is a sensory and tactile characteristic in design that creates a perception of lower temperature or refreshing sensation through material properties, surface treatments, or technological innovations. This sophisticated design element encompasses both physical and psychological aspects, incorporating specialized materials, finishes, and textures that facilitate heat transfer away from the user or create a subjective impression of coolness through visual and tactile cues. The concept emerged from the intersection of materials science, ergonomic design, and thermal comfort research, gaining prominence in various design sectors including furniture, textiles, and architectural surfaces. The implementation of cool feel properties involves advanced manufacturing processes such as moisture-wicking treatments, phase-change materials, and specialized polymer compositions that actively regulate temperature or create a cooling sensation upon contact. In contemporary design practice, cool feel applications have expanded beyond purely functional considerations to include aesthetic and experiential dimensions, contributing to the overall user experience in products ranging from seating solutions to wearable items. The development of cool feel technologies has been particularly influential in sustainable design approaches, as designers seek energy-efficient alternatives for thermal comfort. These innovations have been recognized in various design competitions, including the A' Design Award, where products incorporating cool feel properties have demonstrated excellence in combining functionality with user comfort. The psychological aspects of cool feel design extend to color theory and material selection, where certain hues and textures can enhance the perceived cooling effect through cognitive associations.
thermal comfort, sensory design, material innovation, temperature regulation, tactile experience, surface technology
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Cool Feel.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=479380 (Accessed on March 16, 2025)"
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