Short answer
Consider the full spectrum of sensory input and the tactile qualities of objects when designing spaces to evoke specific emotional or metaphorical responses.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Metaphor and Symbol (2019)
- Method
- Ethnographic observation and analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
By strategically designing physical spaces with objects that stimulate specific sensorimotor experiences, designers can create environments that evoke desired metaphorical associations and emotional responses in users. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Metaphor and Symbol. Using Ethnographic observation and analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the full spectrum of sensory input and the tactile qualities of objects when designing spaces to evoke specific emotional or metaphorical responses.
Showroom design can leverage sensory affordances to evoke aspirational experiences.
By strategically designing physical spaces with objects that stimulate specific sensorimotor experiences, designers can create environments that evoke desired metaphorical associations and emotional responses in users.
Metaphor and Symbol · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Showroom environments are equipped with objects designed to elicit specific sensorimotor experiences.
- 02These designed experiences can lead to altered bodily states and metaphorical associations for visitors.
- 03The concept of 'affordance space' is crucial for understanding how environments facilitate metaphorical enactment.
- 04Environmental coupling, involving active and passive touch and organized sensory input (auditory, olfactory, gustatory), is key to this process.
Application
Design takeaway
Consider the full spectrum of sensory input and the tactile qualities of objects when designing spaces to evoke specific emotional or metaphorical responses.
How to apply
When designing a retail space, a hospitality venue, or even a product display, consider how the materials, textures, sounds, and even scents can be orchestrated to create a specific feeling or convey a particular brand message.
Project actions
- 01Think about the senses: What can users see, hear, smell, taste, and touch in your design?
- 02Consider how different materials and objects can evoke specific feelings or ideas.
- 03How can you arrange elements to guide the user's experience through the space or product?
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a novel perspective on the role of the environment in cognition and experience.
- +Connects abstract concepts like metaphor to tangible design elements.
Limitations
The specific sensory elements that evoke certain metaphors can be culturally dependent and vary between individuals.
Reliability & validity
Reliability could be improved by using standardized measures for sensorimotor experience and metaphorical perception. Validity is strengthened by the ethnographic approach capturing nuanced interactions, but may be limited by observer bias and the specific context studied.
Think critically
To what extent can designers ethically manipulate user emotions and perceptions through environmental design, and where is the line between persuasive design and undue influence?
Design Principles
"Design spaces to intentionally afford specific sensorimotor experiences that align with the desired user perception and emotional outcome."
This research highlights how the physical environment is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in shaping user perception and experience. Understanding how to design 'affordance spaces' allows for the creation of more impactful and memorable user journeys, particularly in contexts where emotional connection and aspirational qualities are key.
What This Means for Your Design
Imagine walking into a fancy car showroom. The smell of leather, the soft lighting, the smooth feel of the steering wheel – these aren't accidents. Designers use them on purpose to make you feel a certain way about the car, like it's luxurious and powerful.
How to use in your project
- 1.When discussing the user experience of your design, reference how the physical environment and its sensory affordances contribute to the overall perception and emotional response.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The design of the physical environment plays a critical role in shaping user perception and emotional response. By strategically incorporating sensory affordances, such as specific textures, sounds, and scents, designers can create 'affordance spaces' that guide users towards desired metaphorical experiences and associations, as demonstrated in real estate showrooms where environmental design facilitates aspirational perceptions.
Source
Metaphor and Symbol
Metaphoricity in the real estate showroom: Affordance spaces for sensorimotor shopping
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about showroom design can leverage sensory affordances to evoke aspirational experiences?
- Consider the full spectrum of sensory input and the tactile qualities of objects when designing spaces to evoke specific emotional or metaphorical responses. Evidence: Metaphor and Symbol (2019).
- Why does "Showroom design can leverage sensory affordances to evoke aspirational experiences." matter for design?
- This research highlights how the physical environment is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in shaping user perception and experience. Understanding how to design 'affordance spaces' allows for the creation of more impactful and memorable user journeys, particularly in contexts where emotional connection and aspirational qualities are key.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Consider the full spectrum of sensory input and the tactile qualities of objects when designing spaces to evoke specific emotional or metaphorical responses.
- What were the main findings?
- Showroom environments are equipped with objects designed to elicit specific sensorimotor experiences.. These designed experiences can lead to altered bodily states and metaphorical associations for visitors.. The concept of 'affordance space' is crucial for understanding how environments facilitate metaphorical enactment.. Environmental coupling, involving active and passive touch and organized sensory input (auditory, olfactory, gustatory), is key to this process.
- What research method was used?
- Ethnographic observation and analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Metaphor and Symbol.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing a retail space, a hospitality venue, or even a product display, consider how the materials, textures, sounds, and even scents can be orchestrated to create a specific feeling or convey a particular brand message.
- What are the limitations?
- The findings are specific to the context of real estate showrooms and may not directly translate to all design domains.