Prioritising emotional experience in pocket parks: towards human-centred design through Kano-based needs assessment
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: As a key component of sustainable urban planning, the emotional design of pocket parks warrants further investigation. Drawing on case studies of four typical pocket parks in Shanghai and 400 valid questionnaire responses, this study developed emotional need indicators based on emotional design theory and combined the Kano model, Better–Worse coefficients, and non-parametric tests to classify and prioritise users’ emotional needs and examine differences across user groups. The results show that Must-be qualities, such as Safety and Security Assurance, establish the baseline conditions for use; One-dimensional qualities, such as Environmental Restorativeness, have a strong capacity to enhance satisfaction; and Attractive qualities, such as Social Interaction, foster deeper emotional experiences. Qualities such as Accessibility of Digital Services and Biodiversity were classified as Indifferent. Based on these needs priorities, this study proposes emotional design strategies that prioritise securing Must-be qualities, focus on developing One-dimensional qualities, and moderately expand Attractive qualities. The findings provide context-specific guidance for the design and renewal of pocket parks in Shanghai and other comparable high-density built environments, while offering empirical insights into the shift of public-space design from a function-oriented approach towards a human-centred and emotion-oriented approach.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7223364322