Short answer
When designing for a market segment that perceives itself as financially well-off, consider incorporating angular design elements as they may resonate more strongly than circular ones.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Journal of the Association for Consumer Research (2019)
- Method
- Mixed-methods (Field Studies and Laboratory Experiment)
- Sample
- Not explicitly stated, but implied to be sufficient for statistical analysis across multiple studies.
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Consumers who perceive themselves as having greater financial wealth tend to favor angular product designs over circular ones. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in Journal of the Association for Consumer Research. Using Mixed-methods (field studies and laboratory experiment) with Not explicitly stated, but implied to be sufficient for statistical analysis across multiple studies., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: When designing for a market segment that perceives itself as financially well-off, consider incorporating angular design elements as they may resonate more strongly than circular ones.
Angular product shapes appeal more to consumers with higher perceived financial resources.
Consumers who perceive themselves as having greater financial wealth tend to favor angular product designs over circular ones.
Journal of the Association for Consumer Research · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Consumers with higher perceived financial resources showed a greater preference for angular product shapes.
- 02Perceived financial resources did not significantly impact preference for circular product shapes.
Application
Design takeaway
When designing for a market segment that perceives itself as financially well-off, consider incorporating angular design elements as they may resonate more strongly than circular ones.
How to apply
Before finalizing product aesthetics, consider conducting market research to understand the prevailing perceptions of financial resources within your target demographic and test preferences for angular versus circular forms.
Project actions
- 01When selecting materials or forms for your design, consider the target user's perceived economic background.
- 02Test different geometric forms (angular vs. circular) with your target user group to see which they prefer.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes multiple study designs (field and lab) for robust findings.
- +Investigates a novel link between financial perception and aesthetic preference.
Limitations
It can be challenging to accurately measure or control for a user's perceived financial resources in a design project.
Reliability & validity
The use of multiple studies increases the reliability of the findings. Validity is supported by the consistent pattern observed across different methodologies, though the construct of 'perceived financial resources' might require careful operationalization.
Think critically
To what extent are these preferences culturally bound, and how might they evolve with changing economic conditions or societal values?
Design Principles
"The perceived economic context of the user can influence aesthetic preferences for geometric forms."
This insight suggests that the perceived economic status of a target market can influence their aesthetic preferences for product form. Designers and marketers can leverage this understanding to tailor product aesthetics to specific consumer segments, potentially increasing market appeal.
What This Means for Your Design
If you're designing something for rich people, they might like sharp, edgy shapes more than round ones.
How to use in your project
- 1.This research can inform your design choices by suggesting that the target user's perceived financial status might influence their preference for certain shapes, guiding your aesthetic decisions.
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Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The aesthetic preferences of consumers can be influenced by their perceived socio-economic standing. Research suggests that individuals who perceive themselves as having greater financial resources tend to favor angular product shapes, potentially due to associations with power, sophistication, or assertiveness, while preferences for circular shapes remain less affected.
Source
Journal of the Association for Consumer Research
The Shape of Money: The Impact of Financial Resources on Product Shape Preference
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about angular product shapes appeal more to consumers with higher perceived financial resources?
- When designing for a market segment that perceives itself as financially well-off, consider incorporating angular design elements as they may resonate more strongly than circular ones. Evidence: Journal of the Association for Consumer Research (2019).
- Why does "Angular product shapes appeal more to consumers with higher perceived financial resources." matter for design?
- This insight suggests that the perceived economic status of a target market can influence their aesthetic preferences for product form. Designers and marketers can leverage this understanding to tailor product aesthetics to specific consumer segments, potentially increasing market appeal.
- How can designers apply this research?
- When designing for a market segment that perceives itself as financially well-off, consider incorporating angular design elements as they may resonate more strongly than circular ones.
- What were the main findings?
- Consumers with higher perceived financial resources showed a greater preference for angular product shapes.. Perceived financial resources did not significantly impact preference for circular product shapes.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods (Field Studies and Laboratory Experiment) with Not explicitly stated, but implied to be sufficient for statistical analysis across multiple studies..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2019 journal from Journal of the Association for Consumer Research.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Before finalizing product aesthetics, consider conducting market research to understand the prevailing perceptions of financial resources within your target demographic and test preferences for angular versus circular forms.
- What are the limitations?
- The research focuses on perceived financial resources, which may not always align with actual financial status. The studies primarily examined preference for abstract shapes rather than fully developed products.