Surface neatness as an index of aesthetic value of everyday objects
Tatiana Ledneva, Andriy Myachykov, Yury Shtyrov

TL;DR
This study shows that the neatness of an object's surface strongly affects how attractive people find everyday items.
Contribution
The study introduces surface neatness as a key factor in aesthetic evaluation, tested across multiple object categories.
Findings
Objects with neat surfaces received the highest aesthetic preference ratings.
Untidy surfaces consistently led to the lowest aesthetic ratings.
Surface neatness significantly influences perceived value and desirability of objects.
Abstract
Surface neatness is a fundamental yet underexplored determinant of the aesthetic evaluation of everyday objects. While prior research has typically examined individual surface features - such as gloss, shine, dirt, or scratches - in isolation, the holistic impact of surface neatness has received little systematic attention. In this study, participants viewed images of objects from five categories (household items, tools, personal use items, stationery, and kitchen utensils), each presented in three surface conditions: untidy (displaying mechanical and hygienic defects), neutral (without visible defects), and neat (exhibiting gloss and cleanliness). For each object, participants provided a preference rating reflecting their aesthetic evaluation. Analysis revealed a robust effect of surface neatness on aesthetic preference: objects in the untidy condition consistently received the…
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Taxonomy
TopicsAesthetic Perception and Analysis · Color perception and design · Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
