Research Design Connection: Textures and Empathy
Wang, Zhu and Handy report that textures we touch influence how empathetic we are. Their work has implications for the design of a range of spaces, such as human resources suites and the offices of charitable organizations. The researchers found “in a series of behavioral and field studies…that individuals who have experienced haptic [touch-related] roughness (vs. smoothness)…were more likely to donate to charities [than those who hadn’t touched a rough surface]…one neuroscience study [conducted by Wang, Zhu and Handy as part of this project] uses direct measures of brain activity (i.e., attention) and finds that exposure to haptic roughness enhances individuals’ attention to others’ misfortune.” The researchers conclude that “fundraisers could incorporate a little roughness into their outreach materials, such as wrapping a clipboard with sandpaper or including certain roughly-textured materials in a direct-mail brochure.” “Experiencing Haptic Roughness Promotes Empathy.” 2016. Press release, Journal of Consumer Psychology, http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-consumer-psychology/forthcoming-articles/experiencing-haptic-roughness-promotes-empathy/ Sally …
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