Thomas Van Rompay

University of Twente | UT · Department of Communication Science

Intensive care unit (ICU) environments play a crucial role in supporting patients’ recovery, and nature experiences, particularly their visual elements, are commonly used in ICUs to stimulate relaxation. Fueled by digital technology, applications of virtual nature have emerged to bring nature to environments without direct access, including windowl...

Objective: This study aims (1) to understand the needs and challenges of the current intensive care unit (ICU) environments in supporting patient well-being from the perspective of healthcare professionals (HCPs) and (2) to explore the new potential of ICU environments enabled by technology. Background: Evidence-based design has yielded how the des...

Objective Loneliness and social isolation are pressing issues that can seriously impact the mental health and well-being of older adults. Interacting with nature can stimulate a feeling of connectedness. However, for older adults, access to nature is often troublesome because of physical limitations and mobility restrictions. Methods In the presen...

Nature experiences, especially the visual aspects of nature, have been widely used to facilitate relaxation. Fueled by digital technology, simulated visual nature experiences have gained popularity in creating healing environments that induce relaxation. However, while easily applicable, not all nature-imitating visuals lead to relaxation. How to e...

There exists a grey area between market‐pull and technology‐push markets, in which stakeholders are aware of an issue they want solved, yet do not have clear expectations on a solution. This paper presents a method to meaningfully include these stakeholders in a design process, especially if they come from a non‐technical background. A combination...

This study is based on research focused on the importance of values in marketing communication. It looks into the effects of self-transcendent values as used by purpose brands, in comparison to self-enhancement values. In this context, values are important life goals on which the attitudes and actions of people in various situations are based. The...

Loneliness and social isolation are important social determinants of wellbeing of older adults. Conversational exchanges can promote connectedness between older adults, however, conversations may not always come easy. Research shows that exposure to nature-based stimuli such as pictures and videos can stimulate social aspirations and trigger associ...

As the Internet of Things (IoT) is making its entrance in people’s homes, differences in the skills to operate smart home devices need to be considered. This study examined (1) the levels of digital skills to use IoT home automation among Dutch adult citizens and (2) differences of these skills over gender, age, and education. Therefore, a performa...

This study investigates how the current intensive care environment affects care activities and patients' experiences, and the potential of turning the ICU into a healing environment. A multi-center study consisting of an online survey and a semi-structured interview was conducted with a total of 25 ICU healthcare professionals from 4 Dutch hospital...

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to have a massive impact on people’s lives. However, the system’s complexity is also likely to make it an important topic of investigation in digital inequality research. Those who have the skills to use the IoT to its full potential and gain maximal benefits have a technology at hand that will have the powe...

This study examined data and strategic skill-related problems that activity tracker users experience and the extent to which these problems vary by gender, age and educational attainment. A performance test (N = 100) was conducted to study problems experienced during actual use of activity trackers. Video data of participants’ screen actions were a...

Nature experiences promote relaxation and wellbeing. To bring these benefits to people with limited access to nature, digital technologies can be used to provide nature experiences. However, we do not yet completely understand which exact qualities of nature and what mechanisms are involved in eliciting relaxation. To close this gap, we conducted a...

Nature experiences promote relaxation and wellbeing. To bring these benefits to people with limited access to nature, digital technologies can be used to provide nature experiences. However, we do not yet completely understand which exact qualities of nature and what mechanisms are involved in eliciting relaxation. To close this gap, we conducted a...

Receiving a dementia diagnosis is a difficult experience for most people and often affects their wellbeing negatively. To support people's wellbeing, in a therapeutic context, life-storytelling, reminiscence and mindfulness are used with people with dementia. In an everyday context, traditional games are used as a resource for stimulating memory, c...

Feelings of disconnectedness and social isolation among older adults are increasingly recognised as important challenges of our times. Interestingly, nature interaction can stimulate social connectedness and enhance perceived social support, indicating that nature can contribute to social wellbeing. However, nature may not always be around or acces...

Background : Generalisation of findings is an important aspect of research and essential for evidence-based practice. While generalisation is common in quantitative research, there is a lack of generalisability in qualitative research. This paper presents the experience and challenges faced by the Designing for People with Dementia (MinD) project i...

Background : Generalisation of findings is an important aspect of research and essential for evidence-based practice. While generalisation is common in quantitative research, there is a lack of generalisability in qualitative research. This paper presents the experience and challenges faced by the Designing for People with Dementia (MinD) project i...

Poor well-being amongst older adults poses a serious health concern. Simultaneously, research shows that contact with nature can improve various facets of well-being, including physical, social, and mental well-being. However, nature is not always accessible for older adults due to mobility restrictions and related care needs that come with age. A...

Background Delirium prevention is crucial, especially in critically ill patients. Nonpharmacological multicomponent interventions for preventing delirium are increasingly recommended and technology-based interventions have been developed to support them. Despite the increasing number and diversity in technology-based interventions, there has been n...

Background : Generalisation of findings is an important aspect of research and essential for evidence-based practice. While generalisation is common in quantitative research, there is a lack of generalisability in qualitative research. This paper presents the experience and challenges faced by the Designing for People with Dementia (MinD) project i...

Seeking to promote healthy food options through design, this study investigates whether food saltiness perception can be enhanced through the design of the surface texture of the container from which the product is sampled, using 3D-printing. An experimental study was conducted at a supermarket in which shoppers (N = 270) participated in a taste te...

The Internet of Things (IoT) is more complex and abstract than previous information and communication technologies as there are many connections occurring. New challenges for users arise from increased amount of data, decisions made automatically, less visibility and more ambiguity, and magnified security and privacy risks. There is a fair chance t...

Human values-life goals-guide our attitudes and actions. Brands such as Patagonia, TOMS, Warby Parker, Chobani, and Nike successfully position their marketing around human values such as safety, harmony, seeking pleasure, or social welfare. Evidently, consumers attach importance to brands whose values align with their own values. However, the align...

BACKGROUND Delirium prevention is crucial, especially in critically ill patients. Increasingly, non-pharmacological multicomponent interventions for preventing delirium are recommended and technology-based interventions have developed to support them. Despite the increasing number and diversity in technology-based interventions, there has been no s...

Background: The health internet-of-things (IoT) can potentially provide insights into the present health condition, potential pitfalls, and support of a healthier lifestyle. However, to enjoy these benefits, people need skills to use the IoT. These IoT skills are expected to differ across the general population, thereby causing a new digital divide...

Digital nature can provide a substitute for real nature for those who have limited access to green space, or are confined to their homes, for example during the worldwide COVID-19 lockdown. In a large-scale online survey, respondents (N = 1203) watched videos of digital nature, varying in terms of type of nature (wild versus tended nature) and spac...

BACKGROUND The health internet-of-things (IoT) can potentially provide insights into the present health condition, potential pitfalls, and support of a healthier lifestyle. However, to enjoy these benefits, people need skills to use the IoT. These IoT skills are expected to differ across the general population, thereby causing a new digital divide....

Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as important challenges of our times. Inspired by research hinting at beneficial effects of interacting with nature on social connectedness and opportunities provided by ambient technology to simulate nature in a rich and engaging manner, this study explored to what extent digital nature p...

Dementia is generally considered to be one of the most pressing societal issues now and in the years to come. Although insights from different disciplines have contributed to a better understanding of dementia and the development of interventions targeting dementia symptoms, there is a lack of integration of insights from these different perspectiv...

Inspired by recent debates on drone technology and privacy protection, this research examines how negative consequences of drone usage can be mitigated by tailoring information about drone employment to the environmental context in which they are used. Additionally, this study seeks to clarify the role of information needs people have when confront...

Previous research demonstrates that surface textures of product packaging and sample cups can steer basic taste perceptions and product evaluations. This study investigates whether saltiness perceptions and related product evaluations following consumption of potato chips can be enhanced through texture design. Additionally, this study includes bot...

Based on the embodied cognition framework and research addressing transfer effects between visual perception and taste, the point of departure for this study is the widespread association between vertical orientation and connotations related to luxury and (economic) power. Specifically, this study tests whether vertical orientation not only affects...

Although most consumers are positive about socially responsible companies, in order to benefit from CSR efforts, effective and clear CSR communication is important. However, due to the constantly rising profusion of eco-labels, based on either own claims from the organization or claims made by an external third party, consumers may encounter diffic...

Packaging design is not only an indispensable marketing tool but also an important vehicle for shaping sensory evaluations and for nudging healthy food choices. However, insights specifying how the ‘look and feel’ properties of product packaging design influence evaluations and sensory impressions such as taste and smell are lacking, thus thwarting...

Introduction: This study is aimed at gaining more insight into the effects of camera-surveillance on behavior. It investigates the effects of three different ways of “framing” camera presence on cheating behavior and pro-social behavior. First, we explore the effect of presenting the camera as the medium through which an intimidating authority watc...

A classification tree with the dependent variable “cheating overall,” and as independent variables the camera conditions (manipulation) “no camera,” “neutral camera,” “authority watching,” and “self-observation,” plus the personality traits LOC, locus of control; NA, need for approval; SM, self-monitoring; SVO, social; value orientation.

In total, 10 of the 86 participants cheated, and 12 guessed answers after the time they were allowed to work on the puzzles was up. This table illustrates how these numbers are distributed amongst the conditions, and gives an overview of all different types of cheating. As can be derived from the table below, two participants used more than one typ...

Brand managers have several options in their quest to connect their brands with consumers.They may stress functional brand attributes and benefits, their brand's personalitytraits, or their brand's values (the human values attached to the brand). Which of these is most important to consumers is an open question, however. This article proposes that...

In recent years, design for behaviour change by means of design and technology has been the focus of a large body of research. Advancements in personal informatics systems and applications of these in research have testified to the potential of design for behaviour change strategies in the context of sports and exercise. However, these efforts have...

Research shows that design factors of packaging and food containers can have a strong impact on taste experience and product evaluation. However, so far research has mainly focused on how visual appearances steer sensory impressions including smell and taste. Taking into account new (technological) developments in packaging design, this research in...

This study investigates the relative impact of textual claims and visual metaphors displayed on the product’s package on consumers’ flavor experience and product evaluation. For consumers, strength is one of the most important sensory attributes of coffee. The 2 × 3 between-subjects experiment (N = 123) compared the effects of visual metaphor of st...

Both consumer researchers and product designers recognize the importance of good design for the success of products and brands. Consumer researchers are focused on understanding consumer responses to product design. Designers try to adjust products to consumers’ needs and to enhance product experience by involving consumers in the design process. T...

Both consumer researchers and product designers recognize the importance of good design for the success of products and brands. Consumer researchers are focused on understanding consumer responses to product design. Designers try to adjust products to consumers' needs and enhance product experience by involving consumers in the design process. The...

Consumers currently place increasing importance on the values that companies represent. Modern values such as transparency, benevolence to society, sustainability and fairness are becoming more relevant, as noted by many major consulting firms among which are Nielsen (2013), the World Federation of Advertisers (2013) and the Boston Consultancy Grou...

Inspired by research that demonstrates the positive effects of nature-based imagery on wellbeing and cognitive performance, the current research aims to study to what extent nature imagery can also enhance creative performance. To this end, imagery presenting green settings varying in unpredictability and spaciousness was displayed before and durin...

Nature has been a source of inspiration in many ways, ranging from conceptualizations of nature as a source of aesthetic delight to nature as a ‘healing force’. So far, however, insights into which characteristics underlie these diverse effects are lacking, and consequently, nature-inspired design approaches are often limited to ‘copying’ visual as...

Although consumers currently give increasing importance to the human values brands represent, limited attention appears to be paid to this subject throughout marketing literature. Therefore, our research addresses the role of values in the brand selection process. Based on a literature study, a conceptual model is presented that incorporates values...

Purpose This study aimed at gaining more insight into the combined influence of environmental factors and personal vulnerability to environmental cues on cheating behaviour in a task‐related indoor setting. We propose that a disorderly environment increases cheating as it implicitly signals that undesirable behaviours are common. Camera presence is...

This paper describes two techniques aimed at design-driven product innovation. Both techniques focus on providing a different, initially disruptive, perspective form which to approach a design assignment. As a result, sticky meanings and conventions are shaken loose, opening up avenues for considering new meanings that set the stage for design-driv...

Nowadays, technology is increasingly used to increase people’s well-being. For example, many mobile and Web-based apps have been developed that can support people to become mentally fit or to manage their daily diet. However, analyses of current Web-based interventions show that many systems are only used by a specific group of users (eg, women, hi...

Based on the assumption that monitoring technology in environmental settings impacts people’s state of mind and subsequent perceptions, the current study examines the influence of security camera’s on safety perceptions and citizen wellbeing. Participants watched a video of city streets that featured (versus not featured) security cameras. In the c...

Designers and marketers of consumer products aim to communicate product benefits that connect to user needs underlying purchase behavior. Visual–spatial elements portrayed by packaging design are of particular importance in this context. Inspired by theorizing and recent studies in embodied cognition, this study explores the impact of three such im...

Since the introduction of the embodied cognition framework in cognitive and social psychology, numerous studies have demonstrated links between everyday bodily experiences and product evaluations involving meaning portrayal and affect. To date, however, no comprehensive framework for understanding embodiment in relation to design experience has bee...

Technological innovations pave the way for alternative interaction paradigms, which allow for more intuitive and pleasurable user experiences. Such new interaction types are particularly called for when considering that people are facing an ever-increasing information flow that in the end oftentimes hamper satisfying experiences with technology. Co...

First impressions often arise from visual perceptions of product appearance, later to be followed by multisensory impressions involving touch and haptic sensations. These subsequent sensations may sometimes reinforce impressions generated by product appearance, but lead to disappointment when expectations are not met. In this paper, the relationshi...

Evaluating books by their covers. The influence of realism and complexity in photography on the appreciation by tweens Evaluating books by their covers. The influence of realism and complexity in photography on the appreciation by tweens This research is the first that examined tweens’ appreciation of the use of realism and complexity in photograph...

This research is the first that examined tweens’ appreciation of the use of realism and complexity in photography on book covers for children. Additionally, the level of agreement between tweens’ preferences and what adults think tweens appreciate is explored. Data were obtained through questionnaires filled in by 49 younger tweens, 44 older tweens...

Product packaging is an important means for communicating product and brand benefits. Research suggests that visual metaphors may be particularly suited in this context, however, the conditions under which metaphors are effective are not yet well understood. In the research reported herein, effects of metaphor ambiguity and explanatory information...

This paper tests the idea that evaluating objects on abstract meaning portrayal varies with perspective taking. Specifically, it is argued that when rating an everyday container (e.g., a vase) on containment related concepts such as suffocating and secure, perspective taking involves a simulation process in which perceivers project themselves insid...

Research on embodied cognition indicates that abstract meaning attributions are to a large extent grounded in our own (and at the same time shared) bodily interactions in and with the environment. One particularly interesting finding relates to visual-spatial aspects inherent in these interactions that bring about specific experiential qualities. I...

This research is the first that examined tweens' appreciation of the use of realism and complexity in photography on book covers for children. Additionally, the level of agreement between tweens' preferences and what adults think tweens appreciate is explored. Data were obtained through questionnaires filled in by 49 younger tweens, 44 older tweens...

Inspired by the increasing importance of packaging design for product and brand management, this study tests effects of movement visuals and location of imagery on sensorial product impressions. Participants were exposed to a packaging variant for a fictitious brand of washing powder. Subsequently, they smelled packaging contents, estimated package...

Objective: The study proposes that room brightness creates impressions of a more spacious environment and that this perception positively impacts feelings and behaviors during high-threat conversations in particular. Background: To a large extent healthcare providers depend on their patients' willingness to disclose information. In addition to c...

This quasi-experimental field study examines whether companies can improve the effectiveness of their sponsorship investments by creating a brand experience. Data were collected among participants of a sponsored marathon. During this event participants had the opportunity to engage in an experience orchestrated by one of the main sponsors of the ev...

As consumers increasingly turn to luxury brands and associated benefits, brand managers face the question how to convey luxury perceptions via marketing communications such as packaging and advertising design. Inspired by theories addressing embodied cognition and symbolic meaning portrayal, this paper argues that visual cues inspiring verticality...

Research testifies to the influence of environmental factors in shopping environments. However, few studies examine effects of store design in interaction with shoppers’ motivations. The authors propose that task-oriented shoppers prefer stores that are spacious, whereas recreational shoppers enjoy and prefer the arousing properties of color. To pr...

Marketeers and service providers increasingly turn to word of mouth (WOM) as a means to persuade and inform individuals regarding an organization, brand or product. Positive results have been reported within the commercial sector, but does WOM also work within the context of a health education campaign? To explore the potential of WOM in health edu...

The tendency to disclose information is affected by several factors, including the environment in which a conversation takes place. The study reported investigates the effect of spaciousness impressions on self-disclosure during interviews on intimate lifestyle-related topics comprising substance intake, sexuality, and emotions. To influence percei...

Based on embodiment research linking visual-spatial design parameters to symbolic meaning portrayal, this study investigates to what extent location of imagery on product packaging and visual devices portraying movement (i.e., an arrow indicating movement along an upward-headed or downward-headed trajectory) affect smell and weight impressions. To...

Patients' disclosure of personal information is a key factor in health communication. Research shows that the environment can affect self-disclosure. The 2 studies reported in this article set out to examine the effects of the perceived spaciousness of a consultation room on patient readiness to communicate personal information to his or her physic...

‘Where the action is’: Events as a marketing communication tool ‘Where the action is’: Events as a marketing communication tool Despite the increasing use of event marketing in the field of marketing communication, the academia has paid surprisingly little empirical attention to this widely emerging phenomenon. In the present research we defined ev...

Recent studies in marketing research and consumer psychology indicate that congruence, as opposed to incongruence, of symbolic meanings connoted across or within marketing mix elements positively affects consumer response. However, controlled studies addressing congruence effects among visual product features such as shape and typeface are nonexist...

This study examines the influence of packaging design on taste impressions. Building forth on research addressing transfer effects of symbolic associations from one sense to another, in this study it was studied if, and to what extent, potency-related associations portrayed by shape curvature and color saturation of yoghurt packages transfer to sub...

This study examines the effects humour complexity and humour relatedness in humorous television commercials have on brand linkage. The research design combined a content analysis of humour characteristics in commercials and a field study among consumers. In the field study, participants were exposed to existing commercials with obscured brand names...

Previous research has demonstrated the importance of attending to experiential aspects of consumption. These days, ‘consumers don’t buy a product; they buy value in the form of entertainment, experience, and identity’ (Esslinger, in Sweet 1999; see also Holbrook, 2000; Holbrook and Hirschman, 1981; Pine and Gilmore, 1999; Schmitt, 1999). In additio...

MARIEKE FRANSEN, THOMAS VAN ROMPAY & NICOLE VAN DER PLAS 'Where the action is': Events as a marketing communication tool Despite the increasing use of event marketing in the field of marketing communication, the academia has paid surprisingly little empirical attention to this widely emerging phenomenon. In the present research we defined event mar...