Desirable Objects Closer (01-15-10)

Balcetis and Dunning have collected additional evidence that perception is not objective, but contingent upon the mental state of the observer.  They determined that “Perceivers tend to see desirable objects (i.e., those that can fulfill immediate goals – a water bottle to assuage their thirst, money they can win, a personality test providing favorable feedback) as physically closer to them than less desirable objects.” Designers can use this information to locate fixed points, such as water fountains, when layout challenges make tough design choices necessary.

Emily Balcetis and David Dunning.  “Wishful Seeing:  More Desired Objects Are Seen as Closer.”  Psychological Science, in press.