Whereas people are typically thought to be better off with more choices, studies show that they often prefer to choose from small as opposed to large sets of alternatives. We propose that satisfaction from choice is an inverted U-shaped function of the number of alternatives. This proposition is...

Although verbal and numerical scales are commonly used in the Analytic Hierarchy Process for pairwise comparisons, new experiments with computer-based visual tools confirm that ratio preferences can be effectively and efficiently elicited using adjustable visual tools and simultaneous...

Thinking Aloud Thinking Aloud is the most commonly used technique used to test users´ interaction with computers. The assumption is that Think Aloud gives access to what goes on in the users´ minds. However, interfaces are multi modal and play heavily on user´s visual perception. Reflecting...

People exhibit excessive confidence in visually-based estimates, which in turn biases decision making. Three experiments support this assertion. Experiment 1 shows a strong impact of presentation format on estimation of proportions. Experiment 2 shows that people rely on these erroneous...

In innovation, the role of aesthetics is important, possibly paramount, but this factor is not reflected in mainstream innovation theory and research. The paper suggests that aesthetics, supported by serendipity, imagination, and creativity constitute the core, i.e., the “soul” of...

We live in a society ruled by consumerism and in a fierce market competition which leads (determine) marketers to find the most effective and suitable way to influence consumer behavior. One of this ways of influencing consumer behavior are the design elements and aesthetics of the packaging....

The article deals with the question of the social construction and assessment of physical urban objects (such as trees, gardens, parks) which are perceived as natural. The society perceives nature ambivalently. Nature describes "the primary and the good (…) that contrasts with society as the...

In a recent paper, Kanazawa and Kovar (2004) assert that given certain empirical regularities about assortative mating and the heritability of intelligence and beauty, that it logically follows that more intelligent people are more beautiful. It is argued here that this “theorem” is false...

In nineteenth-century Australia a 'career' in banking depended on one's technical ability, including a way with figures, good penmanship and attention to detail. However social and cultural factors were also considered equally important. To ensure the recruitment and promotion of trustworthy,...