An Examination of Factors Contributing to the Perception of Chairs "Blending into" a Space and Their Respective Contributions

Abstract

When designing office spaces, selecting chairs that "blend into" the environment is crucial for aesthetic and functional integration. This study conducted two investigations to identify the factors and mechanisms that make chairs feel integrated into a space, aiming to support efficient chair development. In Survey 1, the Evaluation Grid Method was employed with 12 individuals highly interested in spatial design to clarify the underlying evaluation structure. The resulting hierarchical diagram revealed strong direct connections between space integration and factors such as matching materials, color coordination, not "looking out of place," and familiarity with the combination. In Survey 2, a web-based questionnaire was conducted with 100 participants to quantify the contribution of these factors. Data were analyzed using a Linear Mixed-Effects Model. The results showed that "Color Harmony," "Visual Integration (not looking out of place)," and "Plausibility (Familiarity)" had the most significant positive effects on the perception of blending. Currently, design decisions often rely on tacit knowledge, but this study provides objective design guidelines to enable evidence-based product development.

Keywords: Evaluation Grid Method, Linear Mixed-effects Model, Office Chair

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007427