Which layer of the design framework addresses the appearance of the product from the user's perspective?

The layer of the design framework that addresses the appearance of the product from the user's perspective is the Surface layer. This layer encompasses the visual aspects of the design, including the color scheme, typography, icons, images, and overall aesthetics that users interact with directly. It is essentially the first thing users notice when they encounter a product and plays a crucial role in forming their first impressions.

The Surface layer is responsible for conveying messages about the brand and creating emotional connections, which can significantly influence user experience. A well-designed surface not only makes a product visually appealing but also enhances usability by making interfaces intuitive and engaging.

Other layers of the design framework serve different roles; for example, the Strategy layer defines the overarching goals and objectives, the Structure layer organizes content and functionality, and the Skeleton layer focuses on the layout and arrangement of elements, which are foundational to the product's effectiveness but do not directly address visual style. The Surface layer is vital because it encapsulates how users perceive and engage with the product visually and emotionally.