Modifying Factors: Culture

The Evidence from Standards

Standards are formalized values and attitudes

Sources of cultural variability

• reflection of world views and ideologies - what's important, what isn't

• different activities reflecting differences in customs, e.g. sitting, sleeping

• different attitudes about acceptable conditions, e.g. crowding, privacy, cleanliness, odors, comfort

• genetic differences/nutritional differences, e.g. size, weight, etc.

• different economies and available technologies

Examples:

Activities and products included in standards

• meditation positions

• bidets

• cleaning

• type of storage

Furniture types and sizes:

• dining table

• bed size

Space standards (anthropometrics)

• hygiene

• stairs - flights up, dimensions

• storage

Perception

• noise control

• thermal comfort

• natural light and ventilation

• illumination

 

The Evidence from Perception Studies:

Sensory Screen of Geography

• experience is really experience as perceived through a sensory screen

• nativist vs. empiricist argument (from perception file)

• cross cultural comparisons of perception demonstrate how environment has an impact on perception

• different cultures inhabit different sensory worlds

Cognitive Screen

• The influence of culture on perception goes beyond the geographical environment associated with a culture

• The way we select and screen information - what we think is important - is based on "character" of culture - world view, economic systems, etc.

• The senses are the tools we use to obtain messages from the world around us - they provide baseline information.

• Our culture gives us an orientation to that baseline information

• what to pay attention to

• what to ignore

• what is evaluated positively/negatively

Example: Toilet Rooms

Japanese Toilet Designs - High End

Asian Toilet Rooms - Public

 

 

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