Hey Michael!
I'm glad you were attracted and compelled to express yourself!

I liked reading your thoughts as well.

Thanks for the comment, Michael. I'll note that there have actually been several quotes that I've posted that I don't completely agree with, but I think in this case, this quote doesn't intend to limit the meaning of User Experience.

You're right in that UX is far more than just the aesthetics of the final product. I think the quote is getting at a general feeling of what UX design can do, rather than saying our activities are limited to something vague and superficial. I actually read it as "shine" and "glow" meaning more than just making things pretty, but rather making something pleasing to use and engaging.

Just my 2 cents! I appreciate your point of view, and you're certainly welcome to express it.

Sorry if seeming sort of a killjoy here, really... this is the first (only, yet) "inspiration" that I disagree with. Yes, user experience is important. This we agree. Sure, even "center of gravity." But to say that is about "shine," "glow," and "luster," is to completely miss the point. And even if we all agreed that these highly subjective and superficial attributes of our work were the point of it, is it just a matter of pulling "fragments of various design principles and disciplines" together? From the perspective of a certain level of experience as a designer, sure, I can see it that way. But really, generally, and practically speaking, no.

There is a reason systems theory can not be explained in a phrase.

Again, if a bit acerbic seeming, please forgive me. I am striving to defend the real complexity and value of user experience design, as it is too often (even here) underestimated and undervalued. Thanks for allowing me some say, here. Democracy means we all have a say.