Abstract

Based on product semantics, this study investigated how visual attributes of wood are perceived and interpreted semantically. The wood species alder, ash, aspen, birch, beech, elm, lime, larch, maple, oak, pine and spruce were used. The subjects rated the samples based on the descriptive words natural, exclusive, environmental (i.e., ecofriendly), rough, inexpensive, dark, reliable, warm, modern, cosy, solid, and light. The most significant differences were between softwoods and hardwoods. Principal component analysis yielded three dimensions based on visual perceptions: exclusive/modern, environmental/natural and light vs. dark. Maple and ash, in addition to other hardwoods, were seen as more exclusive/modern than spruce and pine. Pine, on the other hand, was perceived as the most environmental/ natural wood type. Beech and alder did not score high on any of the three dimensions. The potential use of these results in product design and interior design is discussed.

Keywords

Wood design; consumer study; perceptions; consumer studies

Published in

Research results (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Forest Products)
2010, number: 8
Publisher: Institutionen för skogens produkter, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet

SLU Authors

• Roos, Anders

  • Department of Forest Products, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Forest Science


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/29073