Short answer

When designing products, use a hybrid approach combining emotional models like PAD with analytical tools like fuzzy GRA to rigorously evaluate and select color schemes that align with desired user emotions and visual attention.

Field: User-Centred Design
Source: PLoS ONE (2026)
Method: Mixed-methods research, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative user feedback.
Sample: 216 participants
Evidence: Strong effect

Integrating the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) model with fuzzy Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) provides a more stable and discriminative method for evaluating color schemes based on user emotional responses. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2026 study published in PLoS ONE. Using Mixed-methods research, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative user feedback. with 216 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing products, use a hybrid approach combining emotional models like PAD with analytical tools like fuzzy GRA to rigorously evaluate and select color schemes that align with desired user emotions and visual attention.

Study

User-Centred DesignNew This WeekStrong effect

Hybrid PAD-Fuzzy GRA method enhances emotional color scheme evaluation

PLoS ONE · 2026

Key Findings

01The PAD-fuzzy GRA approach yields more stable and discriminative evaluation outcomes for intermediate color schemes compared to traditional methods.
02The resulting color scheme rankings show higher consistency with independent eye-tracking measurements, indicating better alignment with users' actual visual attention and emotional perception.
03The proposed methodology effectively captures users' emotional responses to specific color schemes without requiring overly complex calculations.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

Use the PAD model to define target emotional states and then employ fuzzy GRA to analyze user feedback on various color options to identify the best-performing schemes.

Project actions

01When researching user emotions, consider using established models like PAD to categorize responses.
02Explore data analysis techniques like fuzzy GRA if your research involves complex or vague user data.

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop and validate a hybrid methodology that integrates the PAD model and fuzzy GRA for evaluating and optimizing product color schemes based on user emotional experiences.

MethodMixed-methods research, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative user feedback.

ProcedureDeveloped forward and reverse Kansei Engineering models, collected user emotional responses via questionnaires, applied PAD and fuzzy GRA to analyze the data, and optimized color schemes using a hair dryer case study. Results were cross-validated with eye-tracking measurements.

Sample216 participants

ContextProduct design, specifically color scheme development for consumer electronics.

Variables

IV["Color schemes","Emotional responses (PAD scores)"]

DV["Stability and discriminative power of evaluation outcomes","Consistency with eye-tracking measurements"]

CV["Product type (hair dryer)","Questionnaire design","Eye-tracking methodology"]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Integration of multiple theoretical models (PAD, KE) and analytical techniques (fuzzy GRA).
+Validation of findings through a case study and cross-validation with objective measurements (eye-tracking).

Limitations

The sample size and specific product context might limit the generalizability of findings. The interpretation of fuzzy GRA results requires careful consideration.

Reliability & validity

The study demonstrates good reliability through the stability of evaluation outcomes and good validity by correlating results with objective eye-tracking data.

Think critically

How might the cultural context of participants influence their emotional responses to specific colors, and how could this be accounted for in the PAD-fuzzy GRA framework?

Design Principles

"User emotional responses to color can be systematically captured and optimized through integrated psychological and analytical frameworks."

This approach offers designers a robust framework to move beyond subjective color choices and quantitatively understand how specific color palettes evoke desired emotional responses in users. By grounding color selection in user experience data, it leads to more effective and resonant product designs.

What This Means for Your Design

This study shows that by combining a way to measure feelings (PAD) with a smart math tool (fuzzy GRA), designers can pick colors for products that people will like better and that grab their attention more effectively.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of user emotional response in design and when proposing methods for evaluating design elements like color.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research by Wu et al. (2026) presents a hybrid approach integrating the Pleasure-Arousal-Dominance (PAD) model with fuzzy Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) to enhance the evaluation of color schemes based on user emotional experiences. The study found that this combined methodology provides more stable and discriminative outcomes, aligning closely with user visual attention, offering a robust framework for designers aiming to optimize the emotional impact of color in their projects.

Source

PLoS ONE

A hybrid color emotional experience approach: Integrating the pleasure-arousal-dominance model with fuzzy grey relational analysis.

journal · 2026

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about hybrid pad-fuzzy gra method enhances emotional color scheme evaluation?: When designing products, use a hybrid approach combining emotional models like PAD with analytical tools like fuzzy GRA to rigorously evaluate and select color schemes that align with desired user emotions and visual attention. Evidence: PLoS ONE (2026).
Why does "Hybrid PAD-Fuzzy GRA method enhances emotional color scheme evaluation" matter for design?: This approach offers designers a robust framework to move beyond subjective color choices and quantitatively understand how specific color palettes evoke desired emotional responses in users. By grounding color selection in user experience data, it leads to more effective and resonant product designs.
How can designers apply this research?: When designing products, use a hybrid approach combining emotional models like PAD with analytical tools like fuzzy GRA to rigorously evaluate and select color schemes that align with desired user emotions and visual attention.
What were the main findings?: The PAD-fuzzy GRA approach yields more stable and discriminative evaluation outcomes for intermediate color schemes compared to traditional methods.. The resulting color scheme rankings show higher consistency with independent eye-tracking measurements, indicating better alignment with users' actual visual attention and emotional perception.. The proposed methodology effectively captures users' emotional responses to specific color schemes without requiring overly complex calculations.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods research, combining quantitative data analysis with qualitative user feedback. with 216 participants.
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2026 journal from PLoS ONE.
What should I do differently in my next project?: Use the PAD model to define target emotional states and then employ fuzzy GRA to analyze user feedback on various color options to identify the best-performing schemes.
What are the limitations?: The effectiveness of the method may vary depending on the cultural background of the participants and the specific product category being analyzed. The complexity of fuzzy GRA might still pose a learning curve for some designers.