Exploring Landscape Design Intensity Effects on Visual Preferences and Eye Fixations in Urban Forests: Insights from Eye Tracking Technology

Abstract

Individuals’ preferences for urban forest scenes are an essential factor in the design process. This study explores the connection between landscape design intensity, visual preferences, and eye fixations in urban forest scenes. Five pictures representing different urban forest scenes (plaza, lawn, garden path, pond, and rockery) were selected as stimuli, representing the original landscape design intensity. Three additional levels of design intensity (low, moderate, and high) were created by modifying the landscape elements of the original picture. A group of 50 participants was randomly assigned to observe the four levels of design intensity pictures within each type of landscape using eye-tracking technology. They also rated their preferences for each scene. In total, 250 participants took part in the study, with five groups observing five types of urban forest scenes. The results indicate that landscape design intensity has a positive impact on visual preferences, with moderate design intensity showing the strongest effect. However, the influence of design intensity and preferences also depends on the specific landscape scene. The fixation data did not show a significant relationship with design intensity but were associated with the type of landscape scene. In conclusion, this study suggests that moderate design intensity is recommended for urban forest design. However, it also highlights the importance of considering the specific landscape scene type. The research provides valuable insights into urban forest design and contributes to the understanding of eye-tracking technology in landscape perception studies.