The Impact of Shape and Decoration on User Experience and Visual Attention in Anthropomorphic Robot Design

This study aims to explore the effects of Shape and Decoration on user experience and visual attention in anthropomorphic robot design. Eighty undergraduate students were divided into four groups, each viewing one of four stimuli: (a) Non-hat and Non-pattern, (b) Hat and Non-pattern, (c) Non-hat and Pattern, and (d) Hat and Pattern. Eye-tracking data and subjective user experience ratings were collected. The results indicate that both Shape and Decoration have significant effects on user experience and visual attention. The Hat significantly outperformed Non-hat in the dimensions of Attractiveness and Stimulation, while the Pattern showed significant advantages in Stimulation and Novelty. Additionally, Shape and Decoration exhibited a significant interaction effect in the dimensions of Novelty and time to first fixation, suggesting that their combination provides complementary benefits in enhancing perceived novelty and initial visual appeal. Hat and Pattern attracted users’ attention earlier and prolonged fixation time, as seen in time to first fixation, first-pass total fixation duration, and second-pass total fixation duration. For time to first fixation, there was an interaction effect between Shape and Decoration. This study offers strong theoretical support for the design of anthropomorphic robots, highlighting the critical role of Shape and Decoration in user experience.