Aesthetic Properties of Everyday Objects

Abstract

This research addresses whether one underlying concept of appreciation exists across different classes of objects. Three studies were done. To identify aesthetic properties relevant for the aesthetic judgment of everyday objects and paintings, in Study 1 expert interviews were conducted with 12 interior designers, object-oriented designers and architects, and 12 students of art history. In Study 2, multidimensional unfolding (MDU) was used to examine whether common judgment criteria can be identified for the objects of the different classes. A sample of 217 German subjects participated. 2- or 3-dimensional MDU solutions resulted for each object class. The identified dimensions were labeled using the aesthetic properties derived from the expert interviews (Study 1). These dimensions represent relevant dimensions of aesthetic judgment on which object properties vary. Study 2 suggested that people use different dimensions of aesthetic judgment for different object classes. The identified dimensions were then used to construct three sets of systematically varied everyday objects and one set of systematically varied paintings. Using this stimulus material in Study 3, conjoint analysis indicated these dimensions are differentially important for the overall aesthetic judgment.

A new conception of visual aesthetic sensitivity

“…This supports the possibility of multiple relatively independent aesthetic sensitivities. Further work is required to determine the dimensions underlying aesthetic sensitivity to different features (Stich et al, 2007).…”

“…People weigh different visual features differently. Understanding why people differ in the extent to which their aesthetic valuation responds to complexity, symmetry, balance, contour, as well as other sensory features and object features (Stich et al, 2007), has the potential to illuminate the process of aesthetic valuation itself. Variations in aesthetic sensitivity deserve to be studied and explained: Why are some people more aesthetically sensitive to complexity than others?…”

“…Third, aesthetic sensitivity is not a unitary construct: It is possible that aesthetic sensitivity is a multidimensional construct. People might be sensitive to some features but not others (Stich, Eisermann, Kn€ auper, & Leder, 2007). Fourth, aesthetic sensitivity is not a fixed personal trait: It can change depending on context, experience, expertise, and so on (Leder et al, 2019;Mastandrea & Crano, 2019).…”

Corradi, Chuquichambi, Barrada, Clemente, & Nadal. (2019). A New Conception of Visual Aesthetic Sensitivity

“…Third, aesthetic sensitivity is not a unitary construct: It is possible that aesthetic sensitivity is a multidimensional construct. People might be sensitive to some features but not others (Stich, Eisermann, Knäuper, & Leder, 2007).…”

A Coming-Out Party for Women: Empowerment Through Bridal Photography

“…In recent years, more and more studies have been focused on the correlation between personal visual consumption and product aesthetics (Charters, 2006;Lin, 2008;Lin & Yeh, 2009;Pracejus, Olsen, & O'Guinn, 2006;Schroeder, 2002;Stich, Eisermann, Knäuper, & Leder, 2007;Yeh & Lin, 2011). The bridal photography industry in Taiwan has experienced dramatic change and is now world class (Adrian, 2003(Adrian, , 2006Yeh & Lin, 2006).…”