An Empirical Examination of Optimal Stimulation Theory and Prototype Theory for the Perceived Fit of Chairs in Office Spaces

Abstract

This study investigates the psychological mechanisms underlying the perception that a chair “fits into” an office space, focusing on the applicability of Optimal Stimulation Theory and Prototype Theory in environmental psychology. A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted with 100 office workers, using 12 CG-based office space images generated by Adobe Firefly. Participants evaluated the perceived fit of the chair and their impressions of each space using seven-point Likert and semantic differential scales. Because each participant evaluated multiple images, linear mixed-effects models with crossed random effects for participants and images were employed. The perceived fit of the chair was treated as the dependent variable, and impression variables were included as predictors with both linear and quadratic effects. The results showed limited evidence for inverse U-shaped relationships predicted by Optimal Stimulation Theory. In contrast, typicality of chair and predictability demonstrated positive linear effects on perceived fit. These findings suggest that perceived fit is less influenced by optimal stimulation levels and more strongly governed by cognitive fluency and prototype-based evaluation. This exploratory study provides insights into how furniture–space relationships are perceived and offers implications for office furniture and environmental design.

Keywords: Perceived Fit, Office Chair, Optimal Stimulation Level, Typicality

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007428