Stick with me and my inner nerd for a moment, as I share something you probably have not heard before…
While I could delve into the multitude of layers within the topic of the iris, I’ll focus on this particular aspect for the sake of discussing design. There’s just so much to unravel, and I could easily talk about it for hours.
The iris, though mainly recognized for its role in adjusting the amount of light entering the eye, also plays a significant part in regulating hormones within the body. This connection arises from the iris’s involvement in the autonomic nervous system, particularly its sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.
In moments of stress or excitement, the sympathetic nervous system triggers the iris to dilate the pupil, a response commonly associated with the fight-or-flight reaction. This dilation also prompts the release of hormones like adrenaline, preparing the body for action.
Conversely, during periods of relaxation, the parasympathetic nervous system signals the iris to constrict the pupil. This relaxation state is tied to the release of hormones such as oxytocin, fostering feelings of calmness and connection.
How does this tie into design?
Well, much like the iris adjusting pupil size in response to stimuli, captivating designs possess the ability to evoke emotional and physiological responses. When someone encounter aesthetically pleasing designs, their bodies may react by releasing pleasure-associated hormones like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
Understanding this connection between visual stimuli and hormonal responses empowers me as a designer to craft designs that evoke specific emotional reactions and inducing relaxation in peoples nervous systems.
If this doesn’t inspire you to infuse beauty into every aspect of your life to help regulate your nervous system, I’m not sure what will! We all need this kind of healing right now.
*Picture from The Caregiver Oracle Deck I designed in 2023.
