Week 12: Design and environmental psychology FINAL EXAM STUDY QUESTIONS (covers reading +lecture)

What was the objective of the Design Aesthetics Study by Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The study aimed to investigate how design aesthetics influence user performance and perceived usability in usability testing, particularly focusing on adolescents using a computer simulation of a mobile phone.

What role do design aesthetics play in consumer ergonomics according to Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

Design aesthetics are highlighted as crucial in consumer ergonomics, going beyond functional usability to shape user satisfaction and experience with a product.

How does perceived attractiveness relate to perceived usability according to previous research?

Previous studies have consistently found a positive correlation between perceived attractiveness and perceived usability across various products, suggesting that aesthetics contribute to the initial impression of usability.

What were the two hypotheses proposed in the study by Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The hypotheses were: (a) User performance would be better for the aesthetically pleasing product, and (b) Perceived usability would be higher for the aesthetically pleasing product.

How was user performance assessed in the Sonderegger & Sauer (2010) study?

User performance was assessed based on task completion time, interaction efficiency (number of clicks required to complete tasks), and error rate during the usability test.

What were the key results regarding perceived product attractiveness? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The aesthetically appealing prototype was rated significantly more attractive than the unappealing one, and its attractiveness increased after usage, while the unappealing prototype's attractiveness decreased. Gender was not related to perceived product attractiveness.

What were the findings regarding user performance? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

Users of the appealing prototype demonstrated better performance, completing tasks faster, with fewer clicks, and making fewer errors compared to users of the unappealing prototype. However, gender did not significantly affect task completion time or interaction efficiency, but female participants made more errors than males.

What conclusions were drawn from the study's discussion? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The study concluded that aesthetics significantly influence perceived usability, with aesthetically appealing products receiving higher ratings regardless of actual usability quality. It also highlighted adolescents' importance in research due to their financial influence and future as consumers, and suggested potential differences in aesthetics' effects across age groups and usage contexts. Additionally, the discussion emphasized the intertwined nature of user experience, consumer psychology, and ergonomic considerations.

Why did the study focus on adolescents as participants? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

Adolescents were chosen as participants because they represent an important demographic with significant financial influence and future as consumers, making their perceptions and experiences valuable for research in consumer ergonomics.

What potential differences in the effects of aesthetics were suggested by the study? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The study suggested potential differences in the effects of aesthetics between adults and adolescents, as well as across different usage contexts.

How might the prestige value moderate aesthetics' influence on usability? (Sonderegger & Sauer (2010)

The study proposed that the prestige value associated with a product may moderate aesthetics' influence on usability, suggesting that products perceived as prestigious may be more positively influenced by aesthetics in terms of usability.

What is the focus of environmental psychology?

Environmental psychology studies the relationship between humans and the external world.

What are some basic principles of environmental psychology?

It is interdisciplinary, skeptical of lab studies, problem-oriented, value-oriented, and committed to sustainability and societal betterment.

What did Ulrich's (1984) field experiment show regarding post-op patients with a window view of nature?

Patients with a nature view had shorter stays, fewer negative notes from nurses, and needed fewer drugs.

What are the three major topics discussed in environmental psychology?

Spatial cognition and wayfinding, defensible space, and greenspace.

What were Lynch's common features found in sketch maps?

Paths, edges, districts, landmarks, and nodes.

What were the two broad stylistic categories found by Appleyard in sketch maps of cities?

"Sequential maps" with more paths and egocentric frame of reference, and "Spatial maps" with more districts and allocentric frame of reference.

What are some general considerations contributing to people getting lost in buildings?

Lack of clear visibility between important places, difficulty distinguishing between areas, and the overall complexity of how the space is laid out.

What are the three principles of "you-are-here" map design according to Levine et al.?

Structure matching, alignment with viewer's orientation, and forward-up equivalence.

What are the three components of defensible space theory according to Gifford & Sussman?

Territoriality, natural surveillance, and positive image or milieu.

What were the outcomes of Oscar Newman's renovations at Clason Point in the Bronx?

There was a substantial reduction in violent crime, and residents were twice as likely to question strangers in the neighborhood.

What did a recent Danish study find about the relationship between green space and mental health?

Areas with lower levels of greenspace had a 55% greater risk of psychiatric disorders.

What is the Attention Restoration Theory (ART) proposed by Ohly et al.?

It suggests that spending time in nature restores our ability to concentrate, as attention is a limited resource that needs restoration.

What is the Biophilia hypothesis proposed by Wilson?

It suggests an innate urge to affiliate with other forms of life, implying a natural attraction and care for the environment.

What did Areni & Kim (1993) show regarding the effects of music on consumer behavior?

People bought more expensive wines when classical music was playing compared to Top-40.

What is the general finding regarding the effects of color on shopper preferences according to Labreque et al. (2013)?

Cool colors are preferred by shoppers, and color-induced relaxation encourages longer browsing.

According to Natasha Dow Schüll, what are the three features that explain why slot machines are profitable and addictive?

Constant availability, continuous play, and illusion of control.

What is the significance of constant availability in slot machines, according to Natasha Dow Schüll?

It creates a continuous cycle of play without clear boundaries, contributing to addictive behavior.

How does the continuous play feature of slot machines contribute to their profitability and addictiveness?

It keeps players engaged for longer periods, increasing the amount of money spent.

What role does the illusion of control play in the appeal of slot machines, as explained by Natasha Dow Schüll?

It gives players the false belief that they can influence the outcome of the game, keeping them engaged and invested.