Sensory and Emotional Perception of Wooden Surfaces through Fingertip Touch

What the study found

Twenty participants explored eight pine and oak surfaces with their fingertips, without other senses. Natural, smooth wood surfaces were rated more positively on emotional touch descriptors than coated surfaces.

Limitations

Small sample; samples rather than furniture or floors; self-report only.

Neurodesign interpretation

Points to finish, not just material class, as the variable for touch. Evidence should attach to the finish as well as the material.

Possible design implications

Hypothesis: surface finish may matter as much as wood species for how a touched surface feels; uncoated or lightly finished wood may feel better.

Study design

Touch-only ratings of eight pine and oak surfaces with sensory and emotional descriptors

Population

Adult participants. Sample: 20.

Setting

Laboratory

Field

Materials + haptics

Mechanism

Tactile affect

Spatial variable

Material texture, surface finish (uncoated versus coated)

Keywords

wood, touch, surface finish, coating, tactile emotion

Notes and follow-up

Related records: ND-0140, ND-0162, ND-0163.