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Nicer Design, Better Learning? The Impact of Anthropomorphic Design Features on Emotions and Learning
Elster, Zoë (2025) Nicer Design, Better Learning? The Impact of Anthropomorphic Design Features on Emotions and Learning.
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| Abstract: | This study examines how emotional responses, memory retention, and perceived task difficulty are affected by facial anthropomorphic design elements in static learning materials. The study investigates whether anthropomorphic features, like eyes and mouths, can improve students' emotional engagement and cognitive functioning in context with the growing interest in emotional design in education. A total of 64 university students were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: text-only, non-anthropomorphic images, and anthropomorphic images. A multiple-choice test was used to measure memory retention, and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was used to evaluate emotional responses. Participants also indicated their perceived difficulty of the task. The findings showed that there was no significant difference in emotional responses of the different experimental groups. Furthermore, it was found that, while task difficulty was a significant predictor of memory retention, the presence of anthropomorphic design features did not significantly impact retention scores. These findings suggest that the design of the study did not allow for a significant effect of anthropomorphism to be assessed. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on emotional design, emphasising the need for further research into the effects of anthropomorphism in an educational setting. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106765 |
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