Examining Chair Designs in Architectural Environments through the Lens of Eye-Movement Tracking
In the realm of furniture design, the intricacies of chair creation have long been a subject of interest. A recent study delves into an unexpected area: the psychology of chair design, focusing on the upper part of the chair, often referred to as the "face," and how it can significantly influence the chair's perceived expression and initial appeal [1].
This concept echoes research on human facial expressions, where features like smiles or open mouths can strongly affect observers' emotional and attentional responses [1][5]. Translating this to chairs, the upper part can be shaped or styled to convey approachable, friendly, or calming "expressions," potentially subconsciously impacting a user's first impression.
For instance, chairs with curves or contours resembling a smiling "face" might appear more inviting or comforting, attracting initial attention and preference. This visual expression operates similarly to human facial cues that influence emotion recognition and engagement, as demonstrated in studies of neural responses to facial features [1][5].
This pilot study aims to inform designers when creating chairs for user groups with different disabilities, such as the elderly and people with reduced functional capacity. The focus is on emotional comfort and approachability, attentional guidance, and ergonomic integration [1].
Chairs designed with "facial" features that convey calmness, friendliness, or safety can help reduce anxiety and make users feel more welcomed and supported emotionally. Using shapes and contours in the chair's upper part that naturally draw focus can also aid users with cognitive or sensory impairments in orienting themselves to the chair, thereby improving usability and independent use [1].
Beyond aesthetics, these "face-like" design cues can be integrated with ergonomic supports specific to disabilities, combining emotional expression with functional support [1]. This approach to design ensures that chairs not only meet physical needs but also positively influence users’ emotional and attentional responses, a factor particularly relevant for people with disabilities, as thoughtful design can enhance both comfort and confidence in using the chair [1][5].
In addition to the psychological aspects, the study also highlights the role of static and gravity in chair design. Most chairs have four legs to ensure a steady transformation of forces from the seat to the ground [1]. The backrest and armrest of a chair are dependent on strong joinings, providing support and stability [1].
Egyptian burial finds have contributed to a rich understanding of ancient furniture culture, demonstrating that the expression of the chair has remained surprisingly stable due to its close relation to the body [1]. Designers have more freedom to refine the expression of the upper part of the chair, as shown by renowned Danish designer Hans J.Wegner, who designed the PP505, Cow Horn Chair, and PP518, Bull Chair, demonstrating how altering the upper part can change the chair's narrative and perception [1].
In architectural spaces, the upper part of the chair can be considered as a "face," expressing emotions and a degree of legibility. The lower part of a chair, on the other hand, is often more formal [1]. This study uses eye-tracking technology to investigate whether chairs exhibit dominant features and the extent to which these features command initial attention [1].
In conclusion, the design of a chair's upper part, or its "face," plays a crucial role in influencing its perceived expression and initial appeal. By understanding and applying the psychology of facial expression perception to chair design, designers can create seating that not only meets physical needs but also positively impacts users’ emotional and attentional responses. This is particularly relevant for people with disabilities, as thoughtful design can enhance both comfort and confidence in using the chair.
[1] Kajita, M., & de Gier, J. (2022). The role of chair faces in users' initial attention and preference. Proceedings of the 2022 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. ACM. [5] Adolphs, R. (2003). Neural mechanisms of facial expression recognition. Trends in Neurosciences, 26(8), 419-427.
Technology can be used in this study to investigate whether chairs exhibit dominant features and the extent to which these features command initial attention, through the use of eye-tracking technology [1].
The application of technology in chair design allows designers to integrate "face-like" design cues with ergonomic supports specific to disabilities, combining emotional expression with functional support [1].
