Ability To Touch Objects Influences Perceived Value

Research

Humans are a tactile species, and the ability to touch objects we would are considering purchasing can influence how we feel about the product. “People are… willing to pay higher prices for objects that they can touch than for objects that they cannot touch – as long as touching the object is a positive or neutral experience. If touching an object is unpleasant, the price people are willing to pay for it decreases.”

Apple's Retail Locations Place All of Their Products Within Easy Reach

Apple's Retail Locations Place All of Their Products Within Easy Reach

Implications

The implications for retail design are obvious: place positive tactile materials (fine linens, sturdy equipment, etc.) directly in front of the customers and consider moving rougher or lower quality items higher up on shelves or perhaps behind a counter.

Citation

Joann Peck and Suzanne Shu. 2009. “The Effect of Mere Touch on Perceived Ownership.” Journal of Consumer Research. via Research Design Connections.

2009
09/09
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Technical and Sustainable Features of Hotels Considered Before Booking

Research

A survey performed by Reuters Synovate determined that “47 percent of travelers consider a hotel’s technological capabilities before booking a room” and that “one in 10 guests deem a hotel’s green credentials important.”

Implications

While new hotels can implement sustainable and technological systems into construction relatively easily, upfit costs for upfit hotels can quickly become expensive if walls have to be opened up what could potentially be miles of wiring installation. A number of wireless solutions are emerging on the market that can help to both provide internet access for guests while also allowing for more efficient operation of HVAC and lighting equipment.

Dashboard for a Wireless Lighting Control System

Dashboard for a Wireless Lighting Control System

Hotels can help support their ‘green credentials’ through undertaking the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification process. There are multiple rating systems in place where both new and existing facilities can earn a reputable, third party certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Citation

Reuters. Survey: Technologically Connected Hotels Attract More Guests. Hospitality Design. 16 April 2009.

2009
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Indoor Air Quality Improvements Could Save US Businesses $250 Billion

Research

“A Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory study found that US businesses could save as much as $58 billion in lost sick time and an additional $200 billion in work performance by indoor air quality improvements alone.”

IAQ Testing Apparatus

IAQ Testing Apparatus

Implications

Ensuring proper air quality for buildings is more easy to achieve in new construction (via proper HVAC design and selection of non-toxic paints and finishes), though remedies exist for existing structures as well. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system provides ample guidance for both new and existing facilities, and many of the solutions in new buildings can be implemented for little to no construction cost premiums.

Citation

William Fisk, “Health and Productivity Gains from Better Indoor Environments”. Summary of prior publications (see Appendix J), with figures inflation-adjusted for 2002 dollars and rounded.

2009
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Parks Raise Values of Adjacent Properties

Research

A study of four neighborhoods in the UK examined the increase in value of properties adjacent to green space over the course of 20 years. “Being adjacent to a small green space raised the value by 6.9%, while being adjacent to a small green space with a pathway (greenway) added 11% to a property’s value.” Other studies in the US have shown that being near parks have a similar positive impact on property values.

Implications

Such research indicates that parks potentially have the ability to pay for themselves via increased property taxes to the city due to heightened property values. Many advocates for developing walkable neighborhoods and cities argue that parks, as well as schools, small retail, and other essential services be located within a 5 minute walking distance (about a 1/4 mile) of residential areas.

SAVANNAH'S HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH PARKS AND PLANTED BOULEVARDS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

SAVANNAH'S HISTORIC DISTRICT WITH PARKS AND PLANTED BOULEVARDS HIGHLIGHTED IN RED

The image above highlights parks and vegetated avenues in Savannah, GA’s historic district. Parks can be small spaces offering little more than shade and a place to sit and eat lunch, and need not be large collections of ballfields and multiple amenities to be successful.

Citation

Hobden, David W., Gary E. Laughton, Katherine E. Morgan. 2004. Green space borders—a tangible benefit? Evidence from four neighbourhoods in Surrey, British Columbia, 1980-2001. Land Use Policy, vol. 21 no. 2, pp. 129–38. via Research Design Connections.

2009
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