Understanding the Floor Experience: A Case Study of the Soft and Hard Floor Material Effect on Subjective Impression of the Exhibited Objects

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Burcu Nimet Dumlu, Kiryu Tsujita,  Takatoshi Yoshida, Arata Horie, Tatsuya Saito, Yuh Yoshie, Kiyotaka Tani, Hisaki Yokoyama, Keita Aono, Kouta Minamizawa

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Abstract.

 

Architecture and spatial design increasingly recognize the significance of subtle environmental factors that unconsciously influence human behavior and cognition. While visual elements have traditionally dominated spatial design, the impact of tactile sensations as flooring materials on perception remains largely overlooked. This study examines how soft carpet and hard tile floors influence subjective evaluations of objects. Using abstract shapes inspired by the Bouba and Kiki phenomenon, 86 participants (44 on soft, 42 on hard flooring) evaluated two objects based on twenty-eight adjective pairs related to sight and touch within a controlled environment. Results showed that soft carpet floors enhanced perceptions of sophistication and beauty in Kiki, while hard tile floors amplified Bouba’s elasticity and brightness. These findings highlight a “figure-ground relationship,” where flooring texture interacts with sensory information to shape object perception. By focusing on the physical-material aspects of Human-Building Interaction (HBI), this research underscores the role of material effects in spatial design. It offers insights into how flooring can subtly guide cognition, behavior, and aesthetic experiences in architectural spaces.

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Keywords: floor material, subjective impression, material effect, object impression, human-building interaction