Framework for Reaction to Place

Wang, Chen, Ma, and Jiang found that simpler packaging is perceived to be more environmentally responsible; it is likely that their findings can be applied more broadly.  The researchers report that “the visual complexity of packaging directly or indirectly (through perceptions of naturalness and durability) affects the eco-friendliness perception of products. Furthermore, under high environmental threats, consumers exhibit a stronger eco-friendly perception and purchase intention towards products with simple packaging.” As the title of the article indicates, “simpler is greener.”

Spence and colleagues report on recent attempts, primarily by business people, to develop sound-scent links.  The researchers state that “Auditory branding is undoubtedly becoming more important across a range of sectors. One area, in particular, that has recently seen significant growth concerns the introduction of music and soundscapes that have been specifically designed to match a particular scent (what one might think of as ‘audio scents’ or ‘sonic scents’). . . . shoppers are not able to smell the scents marketed online.

Califano and Spence were intrigued by consumer responses to AI-created pictures of food and their findings can likely be extended to AI-generated images of other items. Califano and Spence found via online surveys that “participants . . . found it very easy to recognize the AI-generated images, particularly in the case of ultra-processed foods. Notably, without disclosure, the AI-generated images were often preferred.

Lv cautions readers about the increasing amount of time nature is experienced virtually.  He focuses on the “recent proliferation of ‘metaverse’ virtual worlds, where tech companies are investing billions to create hyper-realistic digital environments, including simulated natural landscapes. . . . these virtual ecosystems risk perpetuating a commodified and sanitized portrayal of nature, devoid of the unpredictability, risk, and spontaneity that shape our evolutionary connection to the living world.

Wenger and teammates have confirmed an interesting relationship between our senses of touch and hearing.  They report that “People can use their sense of hearing for discerning thermal properties, though they are for the most part unaware that they can do so. While people unequivocally claim that they cannot perceive the temperature of pouring water through the auditory properties of hearing it being poured, our research further strengthens the understanding that they can.

Hu and associates set out to learn more about how stress influences our experiences in the physical world by having individuals experiencing varying levels of stress taste whole and skim milk.  They share that “Chronic stress has been linked to changes in taste or odor perception. . . . Compared with the low-stress group, the high-stress group showed reduced pleasantness ratings for the whole milk fat flavor and taste. . . . the high-stress group ate less vegetables and fruits than the low-stress group.

Gabriel and Schneider studied human’s fundamental motivations and their findings have design implications.   They “propose that much of modern human behavior can be understood as the outcome of a primitive and implicit desire for social embeddedness (i.e., a desire to belong to a larger, societal-level collective). Research from our lab suggests that people watch television, follow celebrities, and go to concerts and sporting events, at least in part, to fill this need.”