Please follow directions or I will dispute 
will be checked for plagiarism 
in please answer original forum with a minimum of 250 words and respond to both students separately with a minimum of 100 words each
Page 1 original with references 
page 2 Benjamin response with references
page 3 kim response with references 

original forum 

 In this module, you are to answer the question, what is a visual impact and what is the definition of aesthetics? Also, why is it important to have a VIA?  

student response 
benjamin

According to Sinha and Labi (2007), there are multiple factors and mechanisms that together, constitute the visual performance impact.  Factors include transportation facility characteristics (type, dimension, shape), the stage of completion of the project, sensitivity of the viewer, and landscape characteristics. Aesthetics are may not directly play to the increase in efficiency or performance of a product directly. However, by having better aesthetics in a product, service, or location it can be viewed as superior to the competition. Visual appearance can enhance the experience of the customer. When there are two similar products that provide the same service a customer will chose the one cleaner more visual appealing option. One of the most effective ways of differentiating products is using visual aesthetics. Visual aesthetics of products can increase or decrease the value for consumers. Visual aesthetics create significant value for product and can separate the product significant from its competition. Also, level of price sensitivity of consumer decreases when the product is more unique and the visual appearance of the product is more appealing. This can be seen a lot in the car industry a ford and BMW might do the exact same thing for the consumer however one may be more appealing to the customer based off the design of the product. This is an example of the visual aesthetic and how they can play a pivotal role in pricing as well as marketing for products. 
References:
Sinha, K. C., & Labi, S. (2007). Transportation decision making: Principles of project evaluation and programming . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Kim
The first thing that came to my mind is that what my Platoon Sergeant use to say to Soldiers who had poor uniform standards. He said ˜when the box is not pretty, no one wants it, even though there is XBOX 2 in it. I think that is so true. Aesthetically beautiful outside does not mean it is also pretty (or as worthy) inside but it attracts people and gives satisfaction (sense of well-being) by giving a better visual experience. In the text book by Sinha & Labi (2007), there are two questionnaires from FHWA (federal Highway Admin) and California DOT. These are the questions to assess the visual impact while preparing for transportation project to meet or identify federal or state requirements. TX DOT Manual (2017) stated that In addition to the regulatory requirement to consider the aesthetic quality, the general public is increasingly demanding aesthetic enhancements to existing and proposed transportation facilities. Human beings naturally prefer aesthetically pleasing to their eyes. Transportation infrastructure including its facility must satisfy its safety first, efficiency, and operating costs as well. In the past or in developing countries, people are more concerned with its functions, but more and more general public and/or interest groups demand better looks. Buildings, roadways, and facilities that have visually integrated view with the existing environment and with no obstruction that blocks the view. Visual Impact Analysis is important in all levels of transportation project through surveys of its users (possibly with questionnaires with simulations) to balance aesthetic, environmental, and community needs. It is also important not to compromise the safety of the facility as TX DOT Manual (2017) stated, and focus on the primary functions of mobility, accessibility, and safety as Sinha & Labi (2007) stated.
References
Sinha, K. C., & Labi, S. (2007). Transportation decision making: Principles of project evaluation and programming . Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Chapter 14. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/apus/reader.action?docID=792589
TXDOT Manual (2017). Section 2: Landscape and Aesthetics Design of the Transportation Infrastructure.
http://onlinemanuals.dot.state.tx.us/txdotmanuals/lad/landscape_and_aesthetics_design_of_the_transportation_infrastructure.htm
Pira