This study proposes an optimization method based on Rough Set Theory (RST) and Particle Swarm Optimization–Support Vector Regression (PSO-SVR), aimed at enhancing the emotional dimension of outdoor micro-space (OMS) design, thereby improving users’ outdoor activity duration preferences and emotional experiences. OMS, as a key element in modern urban design, significantly enhances residents’ quality of life and promotes public health. Accurately understanding and predicting users’ emotional needs is the core challenge in optimizing OMS. In this study, the Kansei Engineering (KE) framework is applied, using fuzzy clustering to reduce the dimensionality of emotional descriptors, while RST is employed for attribute reduction to select five key design features that influence users’ emotions. Subsequently, the PSO-SVR model is applied to establish the nonlinear mapping relationship between these design features and users’ emotions, predicting the optimal configuration of OMS design. The results indicate that the optimized OMS design significantly enhances users’ intention to stay in the space, as reflected by higher ratings for emotional descriptors and increased preferences for longer outdoor activity duration, all exceeding the median score of the scale. Additionally, comparative analysis shows that the PSO-SVR model outperforms traditional methods (e.g., BPNN, RF, and SVR) in terms of accuracy and generalization for predictions. These findings demonstrate that the proposed method effectively improves the emotional performance of OMS design and offers a solid optimization framework along with practical guidance for future urban public space design. The innovative contribution of this study lies in the proposed data-driven optimization method that integrates machine learning and KE. This method not only offers a new theoretical perspective for OMS design but also establishes a scientific framework to accurately incorporate users’ emotional needs into the design process. The method contributes new knowledge to the field of urban design, promotes public health and well-being, and provides a solid foundation for future applications in different urban environments.
