Surface neatness as an index of aesthetic value of everyday objects

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 lowest ratings, while neat surfaces were rated most attractive. The differences between all surface conditions were statistically significant.

These results demonstrate that surface neatness is a dynamic and salient factor shaping the perceived value and desirability of everyday objects. The findings underscore the need for more rigorous operationalization of surface properties in empirical research on human-object interaction and suggest practical applications for product design, consumer psychology, and sustainable practices, where surface conditions directly influence aesthetic experience and object appeal.

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