I'm pretty adaptable when it comes to controllers. I have my preferences, but can happily enjoy Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo controllers with ease, so overall design doesn't really do much to sway me for or against any particular controller unless it's really bad, like the awkward position my wrist is in to properly use wiimotes or the behemoth Xbox Original controllers.
That said, there are three factors that make me like the PS4 controller a LOT more, even if I feel its shape/design isn't as impressive as I'd hoped.
1 - Touch pad. May be useless, may be the best thing on a controller since the touch screen on the WiiU's game pad.
2 - motion control. Never been a huge fan, but I understand it's much better than the dualshock 3, and it adds another dimension to play...in theory. (we'll see in practice)
3 - But the most important thing of all...BATTERIES! The PS4's controller has batteries inside and are rechargeable, for 60 bucks. The Xbox One's controllers are 60 as well, but also require a 20-25 dollar battery pack or a steady stream of AA batteries. Not cool. WiiU pro controller doesn't take batteries, neither does the gamepad or the Dualshock 3 or Dualshock 4.
The other things (touch pad and motion controls) could go either way, but it's a great OPTION for the devs who wish to use it. all that AND no additional cost for batteries? Sold. I can get over the kinda toyish looking design on the Dualshock 4; like I said, I'm adaptable.
My Console Library:
PS5, Switch, XSX
PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1, WiiU, Wii, GCN, N64 SNES, XBO, 360
3DS, DS, GBA, Vita, PSP, Android