Humans have a unique ability to perceive shape in different ways. Although we naturally estimate objective (physical) shape in our daily interactions with the world, we are also capable of estimating projective (retinal) shape, especially when attempting to accurately draw objects and scenes. In four experiments, we demonstrated robust effects of 3D context on shape perception. Using a binocular stereo paradigm, we presented rectangular surfaces of varying widths alone or embedded in a polyhedron. We investigated how context, judgment type, and angle affected width estimates. We found that the presence of even a small amount of 3D context aids objective judgments but hinders projective judgments, whereas a lack of context had the opposite effect. Context facilitated objective shape assessments by improving estimates of surface orientation. These results demonstrate that the typical presence of 3D context aids shape perception (shape constancy) while simultaneously making the projective judgments necessary for realistic drawing more difficult.

Fractal patterns that repeat at varying size scales comprise natural environments and are also present in artistic works deemed to be highly aesthetic. Observers’ aesthetic preferences vary in relation to fractal complexity. Previous work demonstrated that fractal preference consistently peaks at low-to-moderate complexity for patterns that repeat in a statistical manner across scale, whereas preference for exact repetition fractals peaks at a higher complexity due to the presence of order introduced by symmetry and exact recursion of features. However, these highly consistent preference trends have been demonstrated only in adult populations, and the extent to which exposure, development, or individual differences in perceptual strategies may impact preference has not yet been established. Here, we show differences in preference between fractal-type, but no differences between child and adult preferences, and no relationship between systemizing tendencies (demonstrated by the Systemizing Quotient and Ponzo task) and complexity preferences, further supporting the universality of fractal preference. Consistent preferences across development point toward shared general aesthetic experience of these complexities arising from a fluency of fractal processing established relatively early in development. This in part determines how humans experience natural patterns and interact with natural and built environments.

Highly prevalent in nature, fractal patterns possess self-similar components that repeat at varying size scales. The perceptual experience of human-made environments can be impacted with inclusion of these natural patterns. Previous work has demonstrated consistent trends in preference for and complexity estimates of fractal patterns. However, limited information has been gathered on the impact of other visual judgments. Here we examine the aesthetic and perceptual experience of fractal ‘global-forest’ designs already installed in humanmade spaces and demonstrate how fractal pattern components are associated with positive psychological experiences that can be utilized to promote occupant wellbeing. These designs are composite fractal patterns consisting of individual fractal ‘tree-seeds’ which combine to create a ‘global fractal forest.’ The local ‘tree-seed’ patterns, global configuration of tree-seed locations, and overall resulting ‘global-forest’ patterns have fractal qualities. These designs span multiple mediums yet are all intended to lower occupant stress without detracting from the function and overall design of the space. In this series of studies, we first establish divergent relationships between various visual attributes, with pattern complexity, preference, and engagement ratings increasing with fractal complexity compared to ratings of refreshment and relaxation which stay the same or decrease with complexity. Subsequently, we determine that the local constituent fractal (‘tree-seed’) patterns contribute to the perception of the overall fractal design, and address how to balance aesthetic and psychological effects (such as individual experiences of perceived engagement and relaxation) in fractal design installations. This set of studies demonstrates that fractal preference is driven by a balance between increased arousal (desire for engagement and complexity) and decreased tension (desire for relaxation or refreshment). Installations of these composite mid-high complexity ‘global-forest’ patterns consisting of ‘tree-seed’ components balance these contrasting needs, and can serve as a practical implementation of biophilic patterns in human-made environments to promote occupant wellbeing.

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Ecuador ocupa el puesto 99 entre 141 países en el Índice Global de Innovación 2019, debido principalmente a la dificultad para iniciar un negocio, un sistema sobre regulado, pocos vínculos de innovación y dificultad para acceder al crédito. Este proyecto de investigación analiza uno de estos factores, el sistema regulatorio, pero desde una perspectiva diferente, exploramos cómo impulsar la innovación en las empresas a través de incentivos fiscales. La política fiscal siempre ha sido y sigue siendo una de las herramientas más importantes para implementar la política económica estatal. Se analiza el sistema nacional de innovación y el sistema tributario de Ecuador, finalmente se plantea una propuesta de incentivos financieros que se deberían aplicar para mejorar la innovación en las empresas de Ecuador.