I first came across the Golden ratio was when I read The Da Vinci code. It has become one of the few things I remember from the book and the concept still fascinates me to this day… are science and art interlinked? If so, should we be using mathematics to create web designs?

I’m hoping “Beautiful Algorithms: Design from Nature and Mathematics” on March 10th will discuss the above. The panel is hosted by Alec Cove of VanDelay Industries and he will be discussing the “deeper mathematical essence of our visible world”.

In my experience web design is incredibly subjective and though usability labs help iron out layout issues, it is still reliant on individuals subjective thoughts in the lab. This of course can lead to items being classified as design issues when it’s really more about peoples individual mood or the environment they are in.

I would love to be able to use a scientific equation to help me with my designs, mainly because it would help the creative get signed off… imagine how painless it would be to sell a design to various stakeholders if you could simply say “science proves this design is good”!

Overall “Beautiful Algorithms” sounds like one of the most unique panels at the event and certainly one I’m looking forward to.

Paul