Things we learned in 2023

In 2023, researchers have reported that:

• Symmetrical things seem more functional and reliable and asymetical ones more fun and exciting—useful information when you’re making choices.
• At-work sound volumes of about 50 dBA are best; at these sound levels wellbeing is optimized.
• We’re most relaxed in spaces where sunlight penetration levels are around 15-25% of floor area.
• Looking at moving water for as little as 3 minutes can promote mental health.Listening to the sound of gently moving water is more relaxing than even listening to bird sounds; research consistently shows that hearing the sorts of natural sounds that might be present in a meadow on a pleasant-weather Spring day is mentally refreshing and calming.
• When we can see beautiful nature (that’s nature our society finds beautiful) we’re more likely to persist at whatever work we are doing.
• We’re less stressed working in offices with wooden surfaces; research consistently shows that wood coverage of about 50% is best.Also, lighter/medium-colored woods produce better effects in offices than darker ones do.
• We prefer paintings with more curved elements in them to pieces with more angular ones.
• More saturated colours are likely to make people feel more energized and are also associated with feeling happy.Less saturated ones have calming associations.
• When nature helps us achieve our goals, for example, bonding with other people, we find being there mentally refreshing.
• Worldwide, people tend to prefer the same sorts of flowers, which makes gift-giving much easier—if you like it, they’ll probably like it.