Framework for Reaction to Place

Research completed by Clemente and colleagues confirms human preferences for moderate visual complexity.  Studying responses to various art forms, such as dance and film the researchers found that when “participants rated liking and perceived complexity for each stimulus. . . .  liking for audiovisual stimuli can be explained by a weighted sum of liking for their auditory and visual components. . . . Audiovisual preferences exhibit inverted-U-shaped relationships with auditory and visual complexity.” So, preference is highest at moderate levels of complexity.

Mousighichi and colleagues link biophilic design to place attachment.  The researchers report that “Since place attachment (PA) and quality of campus life (QCL) are important factors affecting students, the current study aims to identify the impact of physical, visual, and auditory connections with nature (biophilic design parameters) on PA (place identity and place dependence) and QCL (self-reported physical health, mental well-being, social health, and academic success). Data from the survey of . . . university students were analysed. . . .

Lui, Kang, and Song studied the implications of renting vs. buying an item and their findings can likely be broadly applied. The researchers’ work “links product acquisition mode to product attribute preference.

Schibik, Spears, and Strutton studied art in a commercial context.  They “examine[d] various relationships between vintage products and art. . . . Consumers were more likely to view vintage products, as opposed to contemporary goods, as works of art. . . .  Positioning value . . . emerged from placing contemporary offerings physically near vintage products in promotional contexts.”

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.”