Children’s Preferences for the Styling of Consultation Room Furniture Based on Scenic Beauty Estimation and Kansei Engineering

Abstract

Children’s preferences for the design of consultation room furniture were evaluated with a focus on the emotional and aesthetic factors influencing these preferences. An evaluation model for children’s furniture in consultation rooms was developed using the Scenic Beauty Estimation (SBE) method and Kansei Engineering. Data were collected by gathering children’s aesthetic ratings and emotional assessments of furniture sample images, followed by statistical analysis to identify design preferences on both visual and emotional levels. The SBE results revealed a negative correlation between straight-line desks, backrest-free designs, and square seat surfaces with scenic beauty, suggesting that children prefer furniture with soft, rounded shapes. The Kansei Engineering results identified two principal factors influencing children’s preferences, further highlighting that soft, rounded forms, lightweight and comfortable experiences, and minimalist designs significantly enhance emotional engagement and attraction. The consistency between the two evaluation methods was high. In conclusion, furniture design for children’s consultation rooms should prioritize safety, comfort, and playfulness, incorporating soft, simple, and child-friendly designs to enhance children’s acceptance and comfort within the examination environment.