Files
Abstract
Designers need knowledge about peoples’ perceptions, based on sensory
examinations of wood. This study describes results of a combined tactile
and visual perceptional assessment of five common wood species in
Sweden. The species were graded with regard to ten words. Differences in
ratings between tactile and visual inspections were compared and main
differentiating words, in tactile and visual inspection respectively, were
identified. For some species like pine the differences between visual and
tactile inspections vary greatly whereas birch was more coherently
perceived across examination model. Visual inspections created clearer
differences between the studied wood species than tactile inspections. The
results provide information about the most appropriate species designers
should select when aiming to achieve specific goals concerning the message
or ‘expression’ of the product. This study indicates applications of product
semantics and sensory analysis in wood design. Topics for continued studies
are discussed.