Dynamic experience of spaciousness, surprise and preference through indoor spaces (Experiencia dinámica de espaciosidad, sorpresa y preferencia en espacios interiores)

ABSTRACT In theory, preference should increase with spaciousness and moderate surprise, levelling off or decreasing for high surprise. To test this we created three simulated indoor spaces — SMALL (smallest size, dimmest light, smallest window), MEDIUM (medium size, light and window size) and LARGE (largest size, brightest light, largest windows) — and virtual reality walks through each possible pair of spaces. Three groups of 30 students (46 men, 44 women) rated either spaciousness, surprise or preference. Manipulation checks confirmed postulated effects of SMALL, MEDIUM and LARGE on judged spaciousness and of the size of the discrepancy between each pair of spaces on judged surprise. For preference, participants rated a space as more preferred if preceded by a smaller space and less preferred if preceded by a larger one. Preference also increased from low to moderate surprise but decreased slightly for high surprise. Research could consider adult responses to real spaces. Designers would do well to consider dynamic experience.