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Illustrations failed in this Adobe Word translation.
PDF Thesis
________________________________________________
Interior
Design
Research
Dissertation
Subject
no:
86780
3rd
June,
2005.
Yvette
Philips,
XXXXX16
The
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
on humans
within
interior
spaces
"Everything
that
deceives
may
be
said
to
enchant.”
Plato,
(427
BC -
347
BC)
Table
of
Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………5
Introduction………………………………………………………………………..6
Chapter
one
– A
brief
look
at
consciousness
and
the
subliminal…………………8
Chapter
two
–
Examples
of ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
and
the implications
for
interior
design.
……………………………24
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………….37
List
of
references………………………………………………………………...40
List
of
illustrations………………………………………………………………
42
Glossary…………………………………………………………………….........43
Bibliography……………………………………………………………………..45
Abstract
This
dissertation
discusses
the
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
on humans
within
interior
spaces.
It
looks
at
the
way
in
which
the
human
psyche
functions,
and
how
subliminal
stimulation
can
surpass
human
sensory
perception.
It
uses
some
examples
of
subliminal
stimuli
to
illustrate
the
ill
effects
they
can
have
on
humans,
and
discusses
the
implications
they
have
for
interior
designers,
the
interior
design
industry,
and
users
of
space.
It
highlights
the
notion
that
what
humans
do
not
perceive,
does
indeed
have
an
ability
to negatively
affect
them,
and
that
greater
consideration
of
this
area
is
necessary
in
order
to
create
healthier
interior
environments.
Introduction
This
dissertation
aims
to
bring
insight
into
the
ill
effects
that
can
be
caused
on
the human
body
and
mind
due
to
subliminal*
stimulation
within
interior
spaces,
and
the
implications
that
this
has
for
interior
design.
The
topic has
been
thoughtfully
approached
as
it occurred
that
issues
relating
to
the
subliminal
tend
to
be
less
discussed
in
interior
design
when
compared
to
conscious
issues
such
as
aesthetics
and
function.
Most
interior
designers
focus
on
satisfying
their
client
by meeting
their
client’s
needs;
however,
the
exploration
into
the
subconscious
and
ill
effects
that
can
occur
within
it,
help
to explain
that
there
may
be
more
to
a human’s
needs
than
simply
meeting
what
they
consciously
desire.
The
first
chapter
provides
an
introduction
to
the
general
human
psyche,
with
particular
emphasis
on
the
subliminal
realm.
It
first
defines
the
different
levels
of
consciousness
and
explains
their
role
in the
functioning
of a
human
being.
This
is
a necessary
component
in
order
to
understand
the
second
chapter
which
discusses
specific
examples
of how
stimulation
can
occur
below
the
threshold
of
human
perception.
The
first
chapter
also
attempts
to
display
the
extent
to which
human
perception
can
reach.
It
explains
to
what
degree
human
sensory
perception
reaches,
and
at
what
point
a human
can
be
stimulated
beyond
their
sensory
perception.
Additionally,
it
illustrates
a brief
history
and
testing
of deliberate
subliminal
stimulation.
This
information
has
been
strategically
placed
at
the
conclusion
of
the
first
chapter,
as
it
leads
into
the
second
chapter
which
discusses
some
current
practices
of unintentional
subliminal
stimulation.
*Key
words
and
phrases
appear
in
italics
and
have
a clear
definition
under
the
Glossary
section
(pp.43-44).
6
The
second
chapter
discusses
the
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulants
on the
human
body
and
mind
within
interior
spaces.
It
requires
the
understanding
of
the
general
human
psyche,
as
outlined
in
chapter
one,
as
it
builds
on
this
understanding
to
explain
how humans
can
be
negatively
stimulated
within
interior
spaces.
It
uses
examples
to
demonstrate
the
ill
effects
of
three
subliminal
stimulants
that
are
regularly
used
or
are
in
contact
with
human
beings.
Furthermore,
is discusses
the
far
reaching
implications
that
these
subliminal
stimuli
have
for
the
design
industry,
the designers
and
the
users
of
interior
spaces.
The
exploration
into
this
topic
aims
to
challenge
the
way
designers
think
in
terms
of
approaching
and
designing
in
a world
that
they
perceive
as
fixed
and
true.
Human
beings
trust
their
senses
to provide
them
with
information
that
is relevant
to
them
regarding
the
environment
that
they
are
in.
Yet
what
they
do not perceive,
can
negatively
affect
them.
This
does
not demonstrate
a
failure
on the
behalf
of
human
sensory
perception,
but
rather
demonstrates
a
failure
of
thoughtfulness
and
awareness
in
the
minds
of designers
and
inventors
who
design
or implement
subliminal
stimuli
into
environments.
Consequently,
this
dissertation
looks
to provoke
its
readers
into
thinking
about
what
else
shares
their
environment
that
they
do
not
perceive,
as
human
sensory
perception
can
only
reach
so
far.
Chapter
One
In
1977
Karl
Popper
wrote
that;
“All
experience
is already
interpreted
by the
nervous
system
a hundredfold
– or
a
thousand
fold;
before
it
becomes
conscious
experience”
(Dixon
1981, p.ii).
Popper’s
statement
has
enticed
exploration
into
the
workings
of
the
subconscious
and
the
way
in
which
humans
are
able
to
be
stimulated
beyond
their
awareness,
and
thus,
this
statement
has
formed
the
basis
of
the
first
chapter
within
this dissertation.
Popper’s
statement
recognises
that
humans
do
not
process
their
experiences
on
simply
one level.
There
are
other
levels
of
processing
(that
are
not
initially
evident
to
humans)
which
influence
their
experiences.
This
is
an
extremely
important
notion
to
consider
in interior
design,
as
interior
design
is
about
directing
and
creating
experience
for
humans.
In
order
to
successfully
influence
and
create
experience,
an
interior
designer
must
first
understand
the
way
in
which
perception
and
processing
occurs
within
humans.
Chapter
one
aims
to
first
identify
the
various
definitions
of
consciousness
and
the
varying
degrees
of
it.
It
then
illustrates
why
these
different
degrees
of
consciousness
are
necessary
and
looks
at
how they
work
to
the
benefit
(or
otherwise)
of the
human
being.
The
chapter
describes
the threshold
point
between
the
conscious
and
subconscious
realms,
and
lastly
provides
a brief
historical
background
regarding
the
testing
of deliberate
subliminal
stimulation.
This
historical
background
has
been
strategically
placed
at
the
conclusion
of the
chapter.
It
has
been
placed
here
as
the
information
prior
to
it
helps
to
make
it
more
comprehensible.
It
also
allows
for
logical
transition
into
chapter
two,
which
discusses
further
examples
of
subliminal
stimulation.
The
various
definitions
and
varying
degrees
of
consciousness
Humans
possess
what
is
known
as
a
consciousness,
which
(to
a
wide
degree)
allows
them
to experience
their
environment.
However,
human
experience
does
not
occur
within,
and
is not
processed
by,
one
realm
of
consciousness
alone.
The
human
mind
has
varying
degrees
of consciousness
and
has
beautifully
evolved
to perceive
its
environment
often
without
a
human’s
full
awareness.
To
better
understand
the
different
degrees
of
consciousness
it is
necessary
to define
them.
This
will
aid
in
distinguishing
between,
and
identifying
the different
characteristics
of,
the
varying
degrees
of
consciousness.
In
understanding
consciousness
it is
possible
to
see
how human
experience
in
space
is able
to
be manipulated
and
affected
through
the
subconscious
realm.
Consciousness
is
a
topic
that
has
been
studied
by philosophers
for
hundreds
of
years.
It
was
defined
by
William
James
(1842
– 1910),
an
American
philosopher
and
psychologist,
as
the
tool
that
enables
individuals
to select
their
own
courses
of
action.
It
is the
function
of knowing,
the
idea
that
an
individual
lies
in a
particular
state
of
awareness
with
regard
to themselves
and their
environment.
Consciousness
can
be
further
defined
in
seven
ways.
Firstly,
it
can
be
defined
as
“joint
or
mutual
knowledge”,
secondly
as
“internal
knowledge
or
conviction”,
i.e.
being
aware
of
one’s
behaviour,
and
thirdly
as
“a
state
of
awareness”
through
internal
and
external
sensory
confirmation.
The
fourth
definition
of
consciousness
is
“direct
awareness”
or
“what
passes
in a man’s
mind”
as
Thomas
Natsoulas
stated;
the
fifth
being
awareness
without
sensory
confirmation,
and
the
sixth
as
a
“state
of
wakefulness
and
attentiveness
to
stimuli
or
to
events
in
one’s
environment”.
The
seventh
and
last
definition
of
consciousness,
with
reference
to
Thomas
Natsoulas
again,
is
the
processing
of information
at
various
levels
of awareness
or having
a
“double-
consciousness”
(Fisher
&
Wallace,
1999).
These
definitions
agree
that
consciousness
is
a
condition
of the
human
body
and
mind
at
an
attentive
state
to
one’s
internal
self
and
external
environment.
The
definitions
have
been
summarised
in
Figure
1.0
below.
1. Joint or mutual knowledge.
2. Internal knowledge or conviction.
3. A state of awareness through internal and
external sensory confirmation.
4. Direct awareness. What passes in a man’s mind.
5. Awareness without sensory confirmation.
6. State of wakefulness and attentiveness to
stimuli or to events in one’s environment.
7. Processing of information at various levels of
awareness. Having a double-consciousness
The seven definitions of consciousness (Fisher &
Wallace, 1999) Figure 1.0
The
fifth
and
seventh
definitions
–
“awareness
without
sensory
confirmation”
and
“the
processing
of information
at
various
levels
of
awareness
or having
a
double
consciousness”
–
support
a
hazy,
yet
justifiable,
distinction
between
what
is
thought
to
be
strictly
conscious
and
subconscious
or
subliminal.
These
two
definitions
seem
to
fit
more
closely
to
the definition
of
subconscious.
Subconscious,
as
defined
by
the
Merriam
Webster
dictionary,
means
“existing
in
the
mind
but
not
immediately
available
to
consciousness”,
indicating
that
the
brain’s
subconscious
level
functions
within
both
the
conscious
and
(in
some
cases)
the
unconscious
realm.
The
term
subconscious
very
closely
relates
to
the
term
subliminal,
which
literally
means
below
threshold
(Stark,
1999).
In
this
case,
the
threshold
is the
point
at
which
stimuli
are
acknowledged
in
conscious
thought.
The
word
subliminal
(which
is
technically
archaic
due
to
the
introduction
of
signal
detection
theory
in psychology
in
1967 by
Green
& Swets)
(Stark,
1999),
when
coupled
with
the
word
stimulation,
refers
to
any
stimulus
that
affects
the human
body,
mind
and/or
senses
from
outside
one’s
awareness.
This
therefore
highlights
that
there
is
also
a difference
between
the
states
of
subconsciousness
and
unconsciousness.
Unconsciousness,
as
defined
by
the
Merriam-Webster
Dictionary,
means;
“not
knowing
or perceiving:
not
aware”.
Unconsciousness
is
thus
the
opposite
of
consciousness.
Humans
cannot
function
within
the
realms
of
consciousness
and
unconsciousness
at
the
same
time.
However,
they
are
able
to
function
in
either
the
conscious
or unconscious
realm
as
well
as
functioning
within
the
subconscious
realm
simultaneously.
This
is illustrated
diagrammatically
in
Figure
2.0
below.
Conscious realm
Subconscious realm Unconscious
realm
Human
consciousness:
the
diagram
illustrates
how
the
subconscious
realm
works
in the
background
to the
conscious
and unconscious
realm.
However,
a human
cannot
function
in both
the
conscious
and unconscious
realm
simultaneously.
The
subconscious
will
only
work
within
one other
realm,
depending
on
whether
the
human
is
conscious
or
unconscious.
Figure
2.0
In
fact,
as
will
next
be
discussed
in
this
chapter,
the
ability
of humans
to
function
in
this
way
is
imperative
to
their
survival.
It
is fair
to
state
then,
that
the
term
subconscious
is
a term
used
to describe
a position
in
the
mind
where
processing
can
occur
during
both the
contrasting
stages
of
consciousness
and
unconsciousness.
The
term
subliminal
refers
to the
effect
that
certain
stimuli
can
have
on
the
human
mind
that
is
recognized
in the
subconscious
realm,
after
passing
through
the
unconscious
or
conscious
spheres
without
being
perceived.
The
different
stages
of
consciousness
and
their
function
It
is
intriguing
that
the
human
mind
works
in
this
manner;
that
while
experiences
are
taking
place
in
the
conscious
realm,
the
subconscious
realm
is
actively
working
in
the
background,
without
the
awareness
of
the human.
This
allows
for
the
questioning
of
the
purpose
of
this
subconscious
function.
The
reality
that
the
brain
is
subconsciously
processing
stimuli
from
its
environment
(and
using
it to
develop
an
understanding
of
its
current
experience)
without
acknowledgment
in
the
conscious
state
seems
phenomenal.
On
the
surface
this
functioning
appears
meaningless
-
for
what
good
is
this
processing
if
humans
are
not
aware
of
it?
However,
when
considered
more
closely
the
function
of
the
subconscious
realm
is
extremely
valuable.
Simply
because
humans
are
unaware
of
their
subconscious
processing
does
not
mean
that
the processing
has
no
purpose
The
stages
of
conscious,
unconscious,
and
subconscious
processing
each
have
specific
purposes
for
the
functioning
of a human
being.
The
human
brain
and
sensory
system
has
evolved
to
accept
and
respond
to
many
stimuli,
particularly
due to
the desire
for
survival,
and the
brain
(usually
instinctively)
is phenomenally
able
to
determine
which
stimuli
are
suited
to
which
stage
of
awareness.
The
conscious
state
allows
for
humans
to
make
sense
of themselves
and
their
environment.
Humans
use
their
senses
to perceive
their
environment
and
themselves,
to
comprehend,
and
to make
sense
of
the
world
that
they
are
in.
The
unconscious
state
comes
about
when
the
body is
required
to
“shut
down”
in order
to
aid
survival.
For
example,
sleeping
is a
required
state
of
unconsciousness
that
assists
the
proper
functioning
of
the
individual,
when
conscious,
thus
increasing
the
chances
of
survival.
Another
example
might
be
an
individual
passing
out of
consciousness
into
unconsciousness
as
a
result
of
bodily
trauma.
This
is
a
survival
mechanism
that
allows
the body’s
energy
to be
used
more
efficiently
in healing
the body
by
shutting
down
consciousness.
The
subconscious
state
is
an
exceptional
realm
that
allows
an
individual
to
be
processing
its
self-thoughts
and
environment
without
full
awareness
in
the
conscious
realm.
The
purpose
of
this
state
of
awareness
is
that
it
aids
in
survival
by
alerting
the
individual’s
conscious
state
(and
sometimes
unconscious
state)
to
any
changes
in
its
self
or
environment,
if
the
conscious
or
unconscious
self
is
“busy”
performing
its
usual
function
(Dixon,
1981).
This
means
that
the
subconscious
will
interrupt
the functioning
of
the
conscious,
and
some
states
of unconsciousness,
if
it
detects
a threat
to
survival.
The
function
and
workings
of
the
different
stages
of
consciousness
are
thus
invaluable
to the
survival
of
the
human
being
and
it
is
necessary
to
explore
just
how
the
brain
filters
and
directs
stimuli
through
to
each
level
of
consciousness.
As
mentioned,
the
brain
has
developed
as
a tool
to
aid
survival.
The
way
in
which
it
assists
survival
is
by its
processing
techniques.
The
brain
will
accept
stimuli
and
measure
them
against
our
learned
experiences,
expectations,
needs,
and
values.
It
will
also
make
predictions
continuously,
make
assumptions,
judge
expectancy,
and
create
perceptual
hypothesises
and
schemata
in order
to process
stimuli
quickly
and
efficiently.
These
processes,
which
are
occurring
mainly
within
the
subconscious,
help
to
efficiently
service
the
conscious
realm
by providing
information
that
is
based
partially
on the
actual
stimulus
and partially
based
on
what
the individual
expects
or predicts
(Dixon,
1981).
This
is
an
effective
way
to
assess
one’s
self
and
environment
as
a human
would
not
be
able
to deal
with
complex
problems
and
situations
if
the
brain
did not
have
this
processing
technique.
This
processing
technique
lends
to
what
is
called
“habituation”
– this
is
where
the
human
is
relaxed
due
to the
familiarities
of
an
environment
fading
out of
awareness
(Fisher
&
Wallace,
1999).
Habituation
occurs
when
the
brain
recognizes
the
aspects
of
an
environment
as
stable,
allowing
them
to
‘drop
away’
from
consciousness
in
order
to
make
processing
space
available
for
new
information
of
higher
priority.
Within
the
subconscious
realm,
the
brain
is
still
processing
any
new
information
and
making
sense
of
it,
determining
if
it
is a
threat
to the
individual’s
survival.
It
is
these
techniques
of
comparison,
prediction,
and
habituation
that
lead
humans
to
respond
to
changes
in their
environment,
rather
than
responding
to
the
situations
that
they
expect.
While
humans
have
different
states
of
readiness
which
determine
what
they
notice
and
what
they
do not,
it is
acceptable
to
say
that
the
subconscious
will
interrupt
the
conscious
and
some
stages
of
unconsciousness
in
the
event
of
changes
in the
environment.
So as
the
conscious
state
is comfortably
habituated,
the
subconscious
state
is
ready
to
interrupt
habituation
should
change
in
the
environment
occur
(Dixon,
1981).
The
understanding
of the
varying
degrees
of
consciousness
and
their
functions
are
thus useful
tools
for
interior
designers
who
intend
to
create
experience
for
users.
If
interior
designers
are
able
to understand
why
these
differing
degrees
of
consciousness
are
needed
and
how
they
work,
they
are
better
equipped
with
knowledge
that
they
can
use
to
design
successful
spaces
for
human
experience.
The
path
of
subconscious
processing
To
better
understand
the
functioning
and
techniques
of
the
human
mind,
it
is
necessary
to briefly
explore
how the
subconscious
processing
occurs.
All
conscious
representation
(i.e.
what
humans
perceive
in their
conscious
realm)
requires
subconscious
processing.
This means
that
the
subconscious
sphere
must
process
the
stages
of
structural
analysis
as
well
as
semantic
analysis,
and
access
stored
sensory
information
in order
to make
the
comparisons
and
predictions
outlined
previously
(Dixon,
1981).
Yet,
the
monitoring
capacity
of the
senses
is far
more
sophisticated
than
the
conscious
state
has
capacity
for,
which
subsequently
means
that
a large
amount
of
sensory
information
that
has
undergone
processing
(up
to a
semantic level)
will
never
achieve
conscious
representation.
To
take
this one
step
further
and,
interestingly
enough,
the
residue
that
lies
unrepresented
in
consciousness
may
have
profound
effects
upon the
processes
of
perception,
memory
and
emotional
responses,
as
well
as
consciousness
itself
(Dixon,
1981).
This
point
will
be
discussed
in more
depth
in
Chapter
two.
There
is
proof
that
subconscious
processing
occurs
in
this
way,
especially
with
regard
to
the
habituation
of
an
individual
and
the
sudden
awareness
of
an
environmental
aspect
once
a
change
occurs
within
it.
Binocular
rivalry
(where
one
eye
assumes
dominance
over
another)
is a
good
example
of this.
In
situations
where
one
eye
is
better
suited
to
accept
a
certain
stimulus,
this
(one)
eye
assumes
dominance
and
the
visual
information
from
this
eye
only is
accepted
in
conscious
representation.
However,
as
soon
as
change
occurs
in
the
field
of
the
subservient
eye,
the
subservient
eye
immediately
assumes
dominance
and the
visual
information
from
the
subservient
eye
takes
priority
in
conscious
representation.
It
is
paradoxical
that
the
‘un-sensing’
organ
should
provide
the most
important
information,
but
binocular
rivalry
is a
clear
example
of how
subconscious
processing
works,
and
of
how
suppressed
sensory
channels
do
continue
to
register
and
process
information
up to
a high
level.
Subconscious
processing
and
the
suppressed
sensory
channels
that
it receives
stimulation
from,
are
thus
not dysfunctional,
but
given
high
priority
for
future
access
to
consciousness
due
to the
nature
of
their
perception
as a
survival
technique.
As
demonstrated
by binocular
rivalry,
changes
will
be initiated
by a
stimulus
from
a
suppressed
channel
rather
than
a stimulus
on the previously
dominant
channel.
Additionally,
even
when
no
change
occurs
on suppressed
channels,
these
are
periodically
assessed
by
the
subconscious
(Dixon,
1981).
The
workings
of
the
subconscious
realm
are
thus
an
invaluable
mechanism
for
assessing
and
understanding
one’s
environment.
The
threshold
point
that
defines
conscious
and
subconscious
stimulation
The
discoveries
into
the
workings
of the
subconscious
realm
have
made
it
evident
that
almost
all
stimuli
must
filter
through
the
subconscious
realm.
However,
it
is
also
evident
that
most
of
what
is
subconsciously
processed
does
not
reach
conscious
representation
(Dixon,
1981).
As
Figure
3.0
demonstrates,
approximately
fifty-
percent
of stimuli
go
unrepresented
in consciousness.
(The
Absolute
Threshold
is
arbitrarily
measured
as
the
point
at
which
we
perceive
stimulus)
(Stark,
1999).
Human
perception
of
stimuli
(2005,
<http://www.talkaboutonline.org/musicprg/Docs/dgm_psyc.html>)
Figure
3.0
Additionally,
human
senses
only
consciously
perceive
stimuli
to
a
certain
extent.
Figure
4.0
poetically
illustrates
the degree
to
which
the
standard
human
senses
can
consciously
perceive
stimulation.
Sense Absolute threshold
Vision A candle flame can be seen from 30 miles away on a
clear, dark night.
Hearing A watch can be heard ticking from 20 feet away in a
quiet room.
Taste A teaspoon of sugar can be tasted in 2 gallons of
water. Smell
A drop of perfume can be smelled when circulated into 6 large
rooms.
Touch A fly’s wing can be felt falling onto one’s cheek from
a height of 1 centimet
Absolute thresholds (Darley et. al., 1991)
Figure
4.0
Furthermore,
Figure 5.0
below
illustrates
the
limitations
and tolerance
levels
of
other stimuli
that
are
perceived
consciously
through
both
standard
and
non-standard
human senses
(e.g.
balance).
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ULTRA-SONIC
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IBRATIONS,
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FUNGI.
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HENRY
DREYFUSS
C
omfort
and
tolerance levels
of perceived
stimuli
(Dreyfuss,
1966)
Figure
5.0
Illustration did not copy correctly.
Beyond
these
limitations,
humans
are
able
to perceive
stimuli
on a
subconscious
or
subliminal
level.
As previously
mentioned,
the
subconscious
realm
generally
is
continually
assessing
the
self
and
environment
to locate
any
changes
to
alert
the
conscious
state
to.
However,
it
is
also
possible
to
deliberately
stimulate
the
subconscious
process
with
subliminal
stimulants.
These
include
stimuli
of
low
intensity
or short
duration
(Stark,
1999),
and
require
at
least
five
factors
(that
are
the
same
as
those
required
in unintentional
subconscious
stimulation)
to progress
into
the
state
of
consciousness.
These
are:
the
strength
of
the
signal,
external
noise
level,
internal
noise
level,
meaning
of the
signal,
and
the
subject’s
direction
of
attention
(Dixon,
1981).
These
factors
govern
whether
the
subliminal
stimulant
will
achieve
conscious
representation.
If
the
stimuli
are
not intended
to
affect
the
conscious
state
then,
as
Dixon
(1981)
states;
“there
must
be a
level
of
stimulus
energy
sufficiently
great
to activate
peripheral
receptors
and
cortical
reception
areas
but
insufficiently
intense
to produce
an
effect
in
consciousness”.
Deliberate
subliminal
stimulation:
a history
of
background
and
testing
Indeed,
the
deliberate
influencing
and
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
have
been
widely
tested
over
the
past
one hundred
years.
Interest
in the
subliminal
can
be
traced
back
to
the
early
1900’s
when
Otto
Poetzl
studied
the
effect
of
rapidly
flashed
images
on
dreams
(Stark,
1999).
By
the
1950’s
an
invention
named
the
‘Tachistoscope’
spurred
public
controversy
and
pushed
concern
into
research.
Invented
as
a
device
to
rapidly
flash
images
in
attempts
to
train
fighter
pilots
to
quickly
identify
an
enemy
(Stephens,
2005),
it
became
a
sensory
curiosity
that
promptly
attracted
the
advertising
industry.
Around
1956,
advertisers
were
using
subliminal
techniques
in
their
marketing
campaigns
(‘drink
Coca-Cola’,
‘eat
popcorn’)
during
the
preview
periods
prior
to
movies.
Visual
messages
were
said
be
encoded
into
various
mediums
such
as
the
word
‘sex’
written
imperceptibly
on
cracker
packets,
erotic
images
in liquor
advertising,
and
hidden
sexual
symbols
in
children’s
movies.
Understandably,
controversy
arose
as
James
Vicary
(a
market
research
consultant
claiming
to influence
the
buying
behaviour
of
movie
patrons)
was
challenged
by people
such
as
Vance
Packard,
who
created
social
fear
about
subliminal
influencing
(Stark,
1999).
However,
this
period
of
controversy
led
the
way
to
research
and
discovery
within
the
field
of
subliminal
stimulation.
Five
different
types
of deliberate
subliminal
stimulation
have
been
noted.
The
first
is what
is known
as
the
Mere
Exposure
Effect,
or
Subliminal
Perceptual
Priming.
This
is
where
subjects
are
exposed
to
an
image,
without
conscious
awareness,
that
leads
them
to
favour
that
image
over
others.
An
example
of the
Mere
Exposure
Effect
can
be noted
in
the test
conducted
by
Kunst-Wilson
&
Zajonc,
1980. Subjects
were
repeatedly
shown
a
series
of
geometric
figures,
each
for
less
than
0.01
second.
They
were
only
able
to
recognize
a
flash
of light
in
the
conscious
state,
but
subconsciously
could
process
the
image
beyond
their
awareness.
The
subjects
were
then
shown
a
range
of
figures
including
those
that
had
been
flashed,
and
others
that
had not.
The
subjects
picked
out
the
images
that
had
been
flashed
as
desirable,
despite
having
no idea
as
to
which
had
or had
not been
flashed.
Variations
of the
Mere
Exposure
Effect
have
been
demonstrated
and
documented
by
Whalen
et
al,
1998,
to
activate
emotional
centres
of
the
brain,
particularly
the
amygdala,
without
awareness
(Stark,
1999).
Another
example
is
the
test
conducted
by Rollman
and
Nachmias,1972.
They
first
presented
subliminal
stimuli
to
subjects,
then
later
asked
them
to pick
from
a
range
which
stimuli
were
present
or
absent.
Even
when
the
subject
responded
‘absent’,
the
experiment
conductor
would
ask
them
to
guess
the
colour
that
the
stimulus
may
have
been.
The
subjects
‘guessed’
correctly,
proving
the
effect
of
the
subliminal
stimulation
(Dixon,
1981).
The
second
method
of
deliberate
subliminal
stimulation
is
known
as
the
Poetzl
Effect,
named
after
Otto
Poetzl
and
his
contribution
to this
field.
This
is
where
words
or images,
subliminally
perceived,
appear
in
altered
form
in imagery
or dreams
a
short
time
later
(Stark,
1999).
The
third
method
is
called
Affective
Priming,
where
the
subconscious
exposure
to
an
emotionally
compelling
image
causes
a
subject
to
respond
emotionally
without
knowing
why
(Stark,
1999).
The
fourth
method
is known
as
Semantic
Priming
and
has
been
thought
to
yield
the
best
evidence
for
proving
the
process
of
subliminal
perception.
Semantic
priming
is
where
subliminal
exposure
to a
word,
lasting
only
around
one
hundred
milliseconds,
tends
to bias
the
subject’s
perception
of
subsequent
words
for
a
fraction
of a
second.
For
example
subjects,
unaware
of
“seeing”
the
word,
can
be
asked
to
distinguish
whether
the
word
was
real
or nonsensical.
This
is
slightly
different
from
the
Mere
Exposure
Effect
as
it
directly
relates
to
semantics
and
not pictorial
information
(Stark,
1999).
The
fifth
and
final
type
of
deliberate
subliminal
stimulation
is
called
Psychodynamic
Activation.
Here,
exposure
to
certain
kinds
of
fantasy
images
or
subliminal
suggestion
can
influence
the
mental
state
or
psychosocial
adaptation
in a
meaningful
and
persistent
way.
This
is
one
of
the
oldest
and
most
intriguing
methods
of
subliminal
stimulation
as
it
can
enter
dreams
and
waking
imagery
in
an
altered
way
as
documented
by Shevrin,
1986.
It
has
the
ability
to
influence
later
recall
and
perception
and,
most
remarkably,
even
influence
our
social
functioning
(Stark,
1999).
This
method
is,
however,
the
most
difficult
to prove
due to
both
the
individual
differences
and
psychological
state
of
the
subject,
together
with
the
vagaries
of
subjective
interpretation
of
results.
This
chapter
has
explored
the
various
definitions
and
varying
degrees
of
consciousness,
the
functions
of
the
different
stages
of
consciousness
and
the
purpose
and
workings
of the
subconscious
realm.
It
has
attempted
to display
the
extent
to
which
human
perception
can
reach,
whether
consciously
or
subconsciously,
and
has
illustrated
a
brief
history
and
testing
of
deliberate
subliminal
stimulation.
This
chapter,
together
with
the
second
chapter,
aims
to discuss
the
effects
that
negative
subliminal
stimulation
can
have
on humans
and
the
implications
for
interior
design.
Chapter
Two
Chapter
one
defined
and
discussed
consciousness,
and
the
way
in
which
the
human
psyche
functions
and
experiences
its
environment
in
relation
to it.
It
described
how humans
are
able
to perceive
stimuli
without
their
own
conscious
awareness.
This
second
chapter
further
elaborates
on
the
topic
of
subliminal
stimulation
within
humans,
especially
its
ill
effects.
The
chapter
has
not been
structured
to
describe
which
senses
accept
which
subliminal
stimulation,
as
it
has
been
found
that
humans
do not
have
senses
for
some
subliminal
stimuli.
For
example,
it is
impossible
to
link
the
sensation
of
Electromagnetic
Frequencies
(EMF)
to
any
human
sense,
despite
the
evidence
that
EMFs
are
felt
and
affect
the human
body.
This
is the
case
for
numerous
subliminal
stimuli,
for
if
stimulation
is occurring
subconsciously
then
through
what
medium
is it
entering?
Infrasound
is
not
consciously
heard,
so
how
can
it be
classed
as
a
sound
that
is perceived
through
the
ears?
For this
reason,
the
chapter
has
been
structured
to
first
discuss
what
is
meant
by
“ill
effects”
relating
to
the
human
body
and
mind.
Next,
the
chapter
gives
examples
of
subliminal
stimuli
that
cause
ill
effects,
and
argues
the
implications
that
subliminal
stimuli
causing
ill effects
have
for
the
design
industry,
designers,
and
users
of
interior
space.
The
definition
of
“ill
effects”
relating
to
the
human
body
and
mind
It
is necessary
to define
what
is
meant
by
“ill
effects”
on the
human
body
and
mind
when
discussing
the
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
on human
beings.
The
majority
of texts
discuss
how a
medium
can
subliminally
stimulate
a
human
being’s
body
and/or
mind,
yet
few
discuss
the implications
and
effects
this
type
of
stimulation
can
have;
the
negative
of
which
is
the
topic
for
the
second
chapter
of this
dissertation.
Only
a
few
articles
(Sarimov,
R.
et
al.
2004,
Kangmin,
Z.
et
al.
2003,
Huynh,
M.C.
&
Stutzman,
W.
2004,
Bedard
Jr,
A.
J.
&
Georges,
T.M.,
2000
)
engage
the
subject
of
subliminal
stimulation
and
provide
evidence
of ill
or
negative
effects
that
have
occurred
within
the human
body
and/or
mind
as
a
result.
Ill
or negative
effects
on the
human
body
and
mind
mean
any
unhealthy
change
that
occurs
within
the
mind
or body,
particularly
related
to
the
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation.
When
discussing
the human
body,
ill
or negative
effects
relates
to
any
negative
disruption
in
the
normal,
healthy,
functioning
of a
human
body
where
the
body
will
become
disadvantaged
in some
way
after
its
exposure
to the
subliminal
stimulation.
An
example,
as
will
be
illustrated
further
into
this
chapter,
would
be
the disruption
of a biological
cell
function
or
structure
resulting
in
cell
mutation
or in
increased
risks
of diseases
such
as
cancer.
Ill
or negative
effects
on
the
human
mind
relates
to
any
disturbances
in
the
normal,
healthy,
functioning
of
a human
mind
where
the
workings
and processes
of a
mind
will
become
inhibited
in
some
way
after
exposure
to
subliminal
stimulation.
An
example,
as
will
be illustrated
further
into
this
chapter,
would
be
the
condition
of
psychosis
brought
about
by aggravation
of
the
mind
through
subliminal
peripheral
vision
irritation.
Examples
of
subliminal
stimulants
that
have
had
ill
effects
on the
human
body
and
mind
will
be presented
to
acknowledge
that
subliminal
stimulation
not
only
can
occur,
but
also
can
have
negative
effects
on
humans.
Examples
of
subliminal
stimulation
that
cause
ill
effects
This
chapter
will
discuss
three
examples
that
illustrate
ill
effects
on the
human
body or
mind
due to
subliminal
stimulation.
Ill
effects
have
been
associated
with
certain
frequencies,
infrasound,
and
rear-approaching
objects
and
the
peripheral
vision
reflex.
Certain
frequencies
are
a
type
of
subliminal
stimuli
that
produces
negative
effects
on
the human
body.
Electromagnetic
and
micro
waves
are
two
frequencies
that
can
negatively
affect
the human
body.
They
are
produced
by appliances
that
require
electricity
to operate.
This
means
they
are
widespread
in interior
environments.
Their
use
worldwide
has
especially
increased
over
the
past
two
decades
due
to
the
increasing
desires
for
personal
communication
and
the consequent
demand
for
the
necessary
appliances
and
technologies
to
foster
this
desire
(Huynh
&
Stutzman,
2004).
Electromagnetic
and
micro
waves
are
distinguished
by
their
frequency
range
in
hertz
(Hz);
electromagnetic
waves
range
between
3
kHz
to
300
GHz,
and
microwaves
range
between
several
hundred
MHz
to
several
GHz.
Furthermore,
electromagnetic
waves
can
be
classed
as
ionizing
or non-ionizing,
depending
on
the
magnitude
of
the
wave.
(Ionizing
is a process
that
requires
a high
level
of
electromagnetic
energy
in order
to strip
electrons
from
atoms
and
molecules).
Additionally,
they
can
be
broken
down
into
thermal
and
non-thermal
classifications
depending
on their
heating
effect
on
biological
material.
(Huynh
&
Stutzman,
2004
pg.2).
These
frequencies,
like
the
majority
of frequencies,
are
undetectable
to
the
human
senses.
They
are
below
the threshold
of human
sensory
perception
in
that
they
cannot
be
seen,
heard,
touched,
tasted
or
smelled
with
the normal
human
senses.
They
are
not,
however,
beyond
the
conceptual
perception
of humans
who
have
the
ability
to
learn
of their
existence,
just
not through
their
own
information
receivers
(i.e.
their
senses).
Human
thus
rely
on technology
to
measure
the
existence
of
Electromagnetic
Frequencies/waves
(EMFs)
and
Microwaves
(MWs),
yet
their
bodies
are
subliminally
stimulated
beyond
their
sensory
perception
and,
unfortunately,
these
unperceivable
EMFs
and
MWs
can
have
negative
effects
on
the
human
body.
EMFs
and
MWs
have
the
ability
to
subliminally
stimulate
the
human
body
negatively.
The
two
studies
involving
EMFs
and
MWs
which
will
be discussed
have
reported
to
have
found
negative
impacts
on the
human
body.
The
first
study,
reported
in the
IEEE
Transactions
on
Plasma
Science
(Sarimov,
R.
et
al.,
2004)
illustrated
that
the
use
of
the
non-thermal
Global
System
for
Mobile
Communication
(GSM)
“…under
specific
conditions
of exposure,
affected
human
lymphocytes
similar
to
stress
response.
The
data
suggested
that
the
MW
effects
differ
at
various
GSM
frequencies
and
vary
between
donors”
(Sarimov
et
al.,
2004,
pg 1600).
This
means
that
the
use
of
the
GSM
(by
mobile
phone)
can
affect
humans
by
altering
chromatin
conformation
in
the
human
lymphocytes
and
possibly
contributes
to a relationship
between
neuronal
damage
and
damage
to human
deoxyribonucleic
acid
(DNA
– the building
blocks
of life
and
individual
characteristics),
the latter
of
which
was
found
by testing
rats
(Sarimov
et
al.,
2004).
While
Huynh
&
Stutzman
(2004)
stated
that
“Non
thermal
effects
are
not
very
well
understood
and
…Evidence
of harmful
biological
effects
is
ambiguous.”
(
Huynh
&
Stutzman,
2004,
p. 25),
the
study
reported
by
Sarimov,
R.
et al.
(2004)
clearly
found
evidence
of a
negative
effect
on the
human
body.
The
second
study,
reported
by
the
American
Journal
of
Epidemiology
(Kangmin,
Z.
et
al.,
2003)
showed
how
the use
of
electrical
bed-warming
appliances
(such
as
the
electric
blanket)
were
linked
to a
risk
in breast
cancer
in
African-American
women.
This
study
made
reference
to
similar
studies
conducted
on
Caucasian
women
and
agreed
that
the
link
between
electrical
bed-warming
devices
and
risk
of breast
cancer
in
Caucasian
women
was
also
evident,
however,
it
did
notice
a
stronger
risk
association
in the
African-American
women.
The
study
stated
that:
EMFs
can
suppress
production
of
melatonin…Melatonin
can
suppress
production
of oestrogen,
directly
inhibit
breast
cancer
cell
growth,
and
boost
immune
function.
As
a
result
of
suppression
of
melatonin
production,
oestrogen
levels
may
rise,
breast
cancer
cells
may
grow
faster,
and
the
immune
function
that
controls
cell
transformation
may
be
depressed,
increasing
the
risk
of
breast
cancer.
(Kangmin,
Z.
et
al.,
2003, p.
798).
Additionally,
the
article
suggested
that
EMFs
may
have
a negative
effect
on
calcium
homeostasis
which
can
increase
the
risk
of breast
cancer.
Thus,
the
effect
of
electric
bedding
devices
on the
health
of a
human
can
be
noted
as
negative,
and
especially
frightening
considering
these
appliances
may be
the
highest
contributors
of
electromagnetic
exposure
to humans
from
residential
appliances
due
to
their
EMF
density,
prolonged
exposure,
and
intimate
contact
(Kangmin,
Z.
et
al.,
2003).
Infrasound
is
another
method
of
subliminal
stimulation
that
has
had
reported
negative
effects
on the
human
body.
Infrasound
is a
low
frequency
noise
that
is inaudible
to
humans.
It
can
be
generated
by both
humans
(by
creating
a device
to
output infrasound)
and
by natural
phenomena
(e.g.
storms,
seasonal
winds,
weather
patterns,
some
types
of
earthquakes).
(Debunking
guide
Spooky
infrasound
Alternative
medicine
lg
Nobel
prizes,
2003)
Figure
6.0
(below)
illustrates
the pressure
and
frequency
of
infrasound.
“
THRESHOLD
OF
HUMAN
HEARING
at
low
frequencies.
The
low-frequency
domain
of
infrasound
lies
to
the
left
of
the
nominal
threshold
of
human
hearing
and
feeling
on
this
pressure-versus-frequency
diagram.
The
regions
occupied
by
familiar
sounds
are
at
the
right.
Frequencies
below
about
1
Hz
can
travel
relatively
undiminished
for
hundreds
or
thousands
of
kilometres
through
the
atmosphere.
The
curve
at
the
lower
left
roughly
indicates
the
present
limit
of
detectability
imposed
by
atmospheric
winds
and
turbulence”.
(Bedard
&
Georges,
2000)
Figure
6.0
Infrasound
can
be
considered
as
subliminal
as
it
occurs
below
the
sensory
awareness
threshold
of
human
beings.
Humans
are
unable
to
perceive
infrasound
with
their
basic
five
senses,
yet
are
somehow
aware
of
infrasound
via
other
information
receivers.
As
will
be discussed,
some
humans
do produce
a bodily
response
to
infrasound
yet
are
unable
to directly
attribute
the
reactions
they
have
from
infrasound
to
infrasound,
due
to
their
inability
to
perceive
it
with
their
standard
senses.
It
can
therefore
be
said
that
infrasound
is
subliminal
in
human
perception.
Infrasound
has
an
amazing
ability
to
create
ill
effects
on the
human
body through
its
subliminal
stimulation.
As
Walburn
(2003)
discussed,
victims
complained
of
illness
“with
everything
from
diarrhoea
to a
diminished
ability
to
read
and
write”
(Walburn
2003, p1).
Once
made
aware
of
infrasound,
they
attributed
their
illnesses
to the
infrasound
that
had
been
unintentionally
created
by large
fans
at
two
local
industries
nearby.
Infrasound
was,
however,
intentionally
created
and
studied
as
reported
in
2003.
Listeners
at a
musical
concert
had
their
musical
performance
“laced
with
infrasound”,
without
their
knowledge,
and
later
reported
that
they
suffered
“…shivering
on
my
wrist…odd
feeling
in
my
stomach…increased
heart
rate…feeling
very
anxious…sudden
memory
and
emotional
loss…feelings
of
unease
or
sorrow,
chills
down
the
spine,
nervous
feelings
of
revulsion
or
fear…”
(Debunking
guide
Spooky
infrasound
Alternative
medicine
lg
Nobel
prizes
2003,
p.1).
Thus,
these
ill
effects
are
a
result
of the
subliminal
stimulant
of
infrasound.
The
third
and
final
example
of
subliminal
stimulation
that
causes
ill
effects
is
any
object
that
approaches
a human
from
the
rear
and
enters
into the
human’s
peripheral
vision.
Rear-approaching
objects
refers
to
anything
that
moves
and
advances
into
the peripheral
vision
of
a
stationary
human,
for
example,
other
people.
(Tucker,
2005)
Rear
–approaching
objects
that
enter
into
the
human’s
field
of
peripheral
vision
can
be
considered
subliminal
due
to the
way
the mind
functions
and
lends
to
survival
and
habituation,
as
explained
in
chapter
one
of
this dissertation.
Once
a
rear-approaching
object
enters
into
the
peripheral
vision
field
of a
human
the
object
will
come
into
the
conscious
mind.
Humans
have
an
instinctive
reflex,
due to
their
inherent
desire
for
survival,
to turn
their
head
and
look directly
at the
moving
object
that
has
approached
into
their
peripheral
vision.
They
do this
in order
to identify
if
it
is a threat.
Once
identified
as a
threat,
the human
can
spring
into
action,
or
if
not
identified
as
a
threat,
can
return
to the
task
that
they
were
performing.
In
certain
interior
environments,
such
as
cubicle
spaces
within
offices
described
by
Tucker
(2005),
rear-approaching
objects
will
be
consistently
entering
and
departing
from
peripheral
vision
and
humans
will
habituate;
meaning
that
they
learn
to
ignore
them
as
they
have
already
identified
the
type
of movement
as
not posing
a
threat.
This
does
not
mean
humans
cease
from
seeing
them;
humans
are
simply
able
to
allow
the
recurring
process
of
identifying
the
object
as
a
threat
to
occur
in
the
subconscious
rather
than
the
conscious
mind-frame,
allowing
them
to
continue
uninterrupted
on
the
task
that
they
are
performing.
Rear-approaching
objects
into
the
peripheral
vision
field
are
therefore
able
to be
considered
as
subliminal
(Tucker,
2005).
Rear-approaching
objects
that
enter
into the
peripheral
vision
field
of humans
can
have
a
detrimentally
ill
effect
on the
human
mind.
This
occurrence
can
lead
to
what
is know
as
Subliminal
Peripheral
Vision
Psychosis
(SPVS),
where
a human
develops
“unexplained
periods
of
psychotic
behaviour
that
may
include
hearing
voices,
which
has
a
sudden
onset
with
no
reasonable
explanation
or
cause”
(Tucker,
2005)
as
a
result
of
habitation
and
of
the
subconscious
mind
attempting
to manage
the
continual
stimulation
in
the
peripheral
vision
field.
SPVS
will
apparently
only
occur
after
very
long periods
of rear-approaching
objects
entering
into
the peripheral
vision
field.
Tucker’s
website
states;
If
you
have
several
hours
exposure
from
human
traffic
at
the library,
while
reading
at
an
open
table
or
seated
in
a
reading
room
chair,
followed
by
long
hours
watching
TV
with
a
critically
misplaced
ceiling
fan
sweeping
detectable
shadows
around
the
room,
the
combination
of those
two
behaviours
might
cause
the
problem.
The
suggestion
is that
either
activity
alone
would
not
consume
enough
exposure
time
even
if
the
critical
movement
is present
(Tucker,
2005).
The
author
of
this
website
acknowledges
that
knowledge
of this
condition
is not
widespread
and
information
on this
topic is
not
readily
available.
Nevertheless,
the
concept
of
SPVS,
its
causes,
and
ill
effects,
are
worthwhile
to
consider.
The
implications
of negative
subliminal
stimulation
for
interior
design
The
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
such
as
frequencies,
infrasound,
and
rear-approaching
objects
into a
human’s
field
of
peripheral
vision,
have
implications
for
the
interior
design
industry,
and
the designers
and
users
of interior
spaces.
As
more
information
is
uncovered
and
the
knowledge
of
the
negative
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
becomes
more
widespread,
designers
and
users
of
interior
spaces
(i.e.
society)
will
demand
new
design
standards
(to
be
implemented
by
government
or other
official
bodies).
In
the
future
they
will
demand
subliminal-safe
spaces
and
alternative
spaces
that
can
provide
the
same
functions
as
regular
spaces
with
the
difference
that
they
do
so
by
alternative
means
(for
example,
by
using
minimal
electricity).
Additionally
and
most
obviously,
it
could
mean
an
increased
design
consciousness
could
develop
in designers
towards
an
understanding
of the
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
which
they
could
use
in
the
design
of
new
spaces.
They
may
also
implement
this knowledge
into making
their design
practice
a healthy
space
to
work
within
which
could
potentially
lead
to a less
stressful
environment
and
more
efficient
and
effective
design
solutions.
With
increased
research
and
dispersion
of
knowledge
related
to the
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
such
as
EMF’s,
infrasound,
and
rear-approaching
objects
which
enter
a human’s
peripheral
vision
field,
society
will
demand
new
design
standards
be
put
into
place
to
ensure
their
safety
and
wellbeing.
This
is
a
fair
prediction
to
make
as
the majority
of
studies
researched
for
this
dissertation
were
not
only
few,
but
very
current.
This
indicates
that
this topic
is in
its
stages
of
preliminary
research
and
development
and
can
be
expected
to
grow.
Even
the
study
reported
by
Huynh
& Stutzman
(2004)
indicated
that
“Non
thermal
effects
are
not very
well
understood
and
…Evidence
of harmful
biological
effects
is
ambiguous.”
(Huynh
& Stutzman
2004, p.
25).
While
this is only
an
example
relating
to
frequencies,
it
illustrates
the
preliminary
nature
and
how little
is known
of this,
and
potentially
other
subliminal
related,
topic(s).
Once
further
research
has
been
undertaken,
the
dispersion
of
the
results
and
the
accompanying
knowledge
could
take
place,
educating
society
and
allowing
them
to understand
the
subliminal
occurrences
that
can
negatively
effect
them
within
the
interior
environments
that
they
frequent.
This
isa
justified
statement
as
society
is becoming
increasingly
more
health
and
safety
conscious
as
a
result
of
increased
information.
An
example
is the
research
conducted
into
cigarette
smoking,
the
presentation
to
Australian
society
of
the
findings,
and
the
subsequent
increased
awareness
and
decline
in
cigarette
smoking
in
Australia
(Yong,
H.
et al.,
2005).
This
education
then,
could
lead
to
society
demanding
that
the
government
or
other
official
bodies
implement
new
design
standards
for
those
designing
interior
spaces
to
abide
by.
New
design
standards
relating
to
the
design
of
electrical
equipment
or
visual
fields
in
corporate
workspaces
for
example,
would
benefit
the
health
of
society
in a similar
way
to the
standards
that
have
been
implemented
for
sustainable
design.
Another
implication
that
the
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
could
have
on
the design
industry,
designers
and
the
users
of interiors
spaces,
could
be
the
desire
for
subliminal-safe
spaces.
Subliminal-safe
spaces
refers
to
interior
spaces
where
the
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation
are
first
targeted
and
then
tended
to
by design,
so
that
they
no
longer
affect
the
health
of
the
users
of
the
interior
space.
These
subliminal-safe
spaces
would
need
to
be
publicized
in
some
way
to
the
users,
in
order
to invite
them
to
use
the
space
and
re-assure
them
that
this
space
would
pose
less
of a
risk
to
their
health
than
other
spaces
that
were
not designed
to
combat
the
ill
effects
of
subliminal
stimulation.
The
use
of
these
spaces
can
be
justified
using
the
example
of the
purchasing
of expensive
organic
food
products.
While
similar
food
products
are
available,
some
people
choose
to purchase
organic
food
products
as
they
place
value
on
their
health
and
believe
organic
food
products
are
a
healthier
alternative
to
regular
food
products.
They
will
even
spend
more
money
purchasing
organic
food
products
than
they
would
regular
food
products
(Hill,
2004).
This
is
illustrated
by
the
trend
in
society
that
where
health-conscious
alternatives
are
being
provided,
an
increasing
portion
of
society
is responding
and
accepting
the
alternative
that
will
benefit
their
health
(Hill,
2004).
So the
implication
is that
interior
spaces,
whose
design
and
publicity
can
demonstrate,
for
example,
that
it
has
reduced
EMFs
(which
negatively
affects
health
as
discussed)
in
contrast
to other
spaces
of
identical
function,
could
potentially
be
successful
and
in
demand.
The
social
desire
that
leads
to
the
creation
of
alternative
designed
spaces
is
another
implication
brought
about
through
the understanding
of the
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation.
Alternative
spaces
refers
to interior
spaces
that
provide
the
same
service
or
function
as other
spaces,
with
the
difference
that
these
alternative
spaces
provide
the
service
or
function
by a completely
different
method.
Examples
of
such
alternative
spaces
are
a café
that
will
service
the needs
of
its
users
without
much
use
of
electricity
(as
responding
to
the
negative
effects
of
EMFs);
or
an
alternative
method
of
ventilation
to
fans
that
produce
infrasound
as
they
operate.
The
design
of
these
alternative
spaces
would
challenge
designers,
their
creativity,
their
skills,
and
their
perception
of
society’s
desires.
The
design
of
alternative
spaces
would
also
entail
that
designers
collaborate
with
professionals
in other
areas
to broaden
their
knowledge
and
increase
innovation.
If
designers
were
to
be
successful
in
collaborating
and
creating
these
alternative
spaces,
they
could
potentially
further
differentiate
themselves
within
their
industry
as
alternative
space
designing
could
become
an
area
of
specialty.
Furthermore,
designers
may
discover
that
the
users
of
interior
spaces
require
innovative
spaces
to perform
new
functions
that
have
been
brought
about
by the
knowledge
of
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation.
The
final
implication
for
the design
industry,
designers
and
the
users
of
interior
space,
is that
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
could
result
in
a
greater
awareness
and
design
consciousness
by designers
when
they
create
new
spaces.
As
research
and
knowledge
in
the
field
could
develop,
so
too
could
a
consciousness
and
conscience
develop
in
designers.
This
means
that
as
designers
become
aware
of
subliminal
stimuli
that
cause
negative
effects
on the human
body
and
mind,
they
will
design
interior
spaces
by taking
this
into
consideration
and
by prioritizing
it
during
the
design
development
along
with
issues
such
as
sustainability.
Thus
by
possessing
knowledge
and
understanding
in
this
field,
they
will
be
able
to
design
interior
spaces
that
are
health-beneficial
or health-neutral,
and
develop
their
own
conscience
in
how
they
design
for
users.
This
chapter,
with
the
use
of three
examples,
has demonstrated
that
some
forms
of
subliminal
stimuli
are
indeed
harmful
to
the
wellbeing
of humans.
The
ill
effects
that
are
caused
by these
subliminal
stimuli
have
significant
implications
for
the
design
industry,
the
designers,
and
the
users
of
interior
spaces.
The
implications
are
that
the
increasingly
health-conscious
society
will
demand
new
design
standards,
subliminal-
safe
spaces,
alternative
spaces,
and
a
consciousness
and
conscience
of the
issue
in
the
minds
of designers.
Furthermore,
this
topic
has
illustrated
that
opportunities
for
innovation,
design
advancement,
creativity,
and
new
methods
of
approaching
design
problems,
are
available
as
a
result
of questioning
the
surrounding
environment
that
is
so
often
perceived
as
fixed
and
true.
Conclusion
This
dissertation
has
aimed
to bring
insight
into
the
ill
effects
that
can
be
caused
on
the
human
body
and
mind
due to
subliminal
stimulation
within
interior
spaces,
and
the
implications
that
this has
for
interior
design.
Human
beings
are
an
integral
part
of
interior
design.
It
is
imperative
that
interior
designers
understand
the significance
of
humans
in their
industry.
Their
needs
and
desires
are
what
interior
designers
aspire
to
meet,
not only
for
business
or
financial
profit,
but
also
for
personal
and
social
satisfaction.
To understand
the
complexity
of
a human
being,
the
workings
of their
body
synergized
with
the
workings
of
their
mind,
is
to truly
understand
their
needs.
For this
reason,
the
first
chapter
of
this
dissertation
aimed
to
give
background
into
the
complexity
of the
human
mind,
which
the
workings
of,
indeed,
are
still
not
completely
understood
by science.
The
initial
chapter
discussed
the
levels
of
consciousness,
why
they
are
needed,
and
the
way
in
which
the human
mind
works
to
aid
survival.
This
chapter
attempted
to bring
attention
to the
often
forgotten,
yet
essential,
subconscious
realm
of the
human
mind,
a
realm
that
is
rarely
discussed
in
interior
design.
This
disregard
for
the
subconscious
realm
by
interior
designers
is
an
unintentional
one,
yet
the
subconscious
realm
has
been
proven
to be
a
very
important
one in
the
workings
of a
human
being.
Interior
design
currently
seems
to disregard
or
‘forget’
about
this
realm,
and
tends
to
favour
and
design
for
the
conscious
realm
of
human
beings.
Interior
design
is a
discipline
that
is
very
much
oriented
towards
combining
aesthetics
and
function.
Yet
aesthetics
and
function
are
considerations
of
the
conscious
mind.
Of
course
there
has
been
much
research
to
support
aspects
of
human
comfort
that
are
not
constantly
at
the
forefront
of
human
minds
(such
as
ergonomics
– one
does
not think
about
the
placement
of one’s
body
every
time
one
sits
in
a
chair).
However,
there
has been
much
more
information
regarding
subconscious
or
subliminal
human
comfort
considered
and
incorporated
into
interior
design,
rather
than
information
regarding
subliminal
discomfort.
In
following
on
from
the
first
chapter,
the
second
chapter
of
this
dissertation
discussed
how human
beings
can
be negatively
stimulated
beyond
their
senses,
i.e.
through
their
subconscious
realm,
within
interior
environments.
The
chapter
illustrated
some
of
the
ill
effects
that
certain
subliminal
stimulants
can
have
on
human
beings.
The
ideas
presented
were
both
fascinating
and
frightening
as,
just
as
the
subconscious
functions
and
responds
without
intense
reflection,
so
too
do
some
of
the
creators
of
technologies
in this
world.
It
seems
that
the
good
intentions
of
the
creators
of
some
technologies,
in
attempting
to
understand
human
needs,
do
not
entirely
succeed.
While
they
meet
the
conscious
realm
with
striking
aesthetics
and
a desirable
function,
their
creations
possess
an
element
of
superficiality
when
compared
to
the
negative
subliminal
effects
they
provide.
However,
this may
be
a
subjective
opinion
in
the
sense
that
human
values
are
completely
individual
and
diverse.
Where
one
human
may
value
a
technology
that
meets
their
conscious
functional
desires,
another
may prioritise
their
health
and sacrifice
the
use
of
the
technology
that
affects
it.
Furthermore,
with
human
values
and
trends
toward
health
and
sustainability
being
seriously
considered
by a
growing
number
in today’s
society,
the dissertation
also
discussed
the implications
that
these
ill
effects
could
have
for
the
future
of
interior
design,
the industry,
its designers,
and
its
users.
The
implications
are
far
reaching
and,
as
already
mentioned,
research
into
the
ill
effects
caused
by
subliminal
stimulation
in interior
environments
seems
in its
preliminary
stages.
It
is
ironic
to
think
that
the
technology
that
will
better
assist
human
beings
to understand
their
subconscious,
and
the
effects
from
their
environment,
might
have
subliminal
negative
effects
itself.
Yet,
as Sigmund
Freud
once
said;
“From
error
to
error,
one discovers
the
entire
truth”
(Quoteworld.org,
2005).
So, development
in
this
area
has
great
potential
for
interior
design
in
understanding
and
educating
those
within
the industry
(and
hopefully
those
on a
wider
base)
that
the
things
that
humans
do not
perceive
consciously
have
equal,
if
not more,
value
to
them.
List
of
references
Bedard
Jr,
A.
J.
&
Georges,
T.M.
2000,
‘Atmospheric
Infrasound’,
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53,
no.
3,
pp.32-38.
Dixon,
N.
F. 1971,
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McGraw-
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Dixon,
N.
F.
1981,
Preconscious
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Vail-Ballou
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New
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Fisher,
L,
E.
&
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B.
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Consciousness
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behaviour,
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Stephens,
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Walburn,
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Yong,
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& Siahpush,
M.
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‘Quitting-related
beliefs,
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and
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older
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four
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findings
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Merriam-Webster,
Incorporated,
<
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List
of
illustrations
Figure
1.0:
Fisher,
L,
E.
&
Wallace,
B.
1999,
Consciousness
and behaviour,
Allyn
&
Bacon,
MA.
Figure
2.0:
Drawn
by
Author.
Figure
3.0:
Viewed,
14th
March,
2005,
<http://www.talkaboutonline.org/musicprg/Docs/dgm_psyc.html>
Figure
4.0:
Darley,
J.
M.,
Glucksberg,
S. &
Kinchla,
R.
A.
1991,
Psychology,
5th
Edition,
Prentice-Hall
Inc.,
U.S.A.
Figure
5.0:
Dreyfus,
H.
1966,
Designing
for
people,
Paragraphic
Books,
New
York.
Figure
6.0:
Bedard
Jr,
A.
J.
&
Georges,
T.M.
2000,
‘Atmospheric
Infrasound’,
Physics
Today,
vol.
53,
no.
3,
pp.32-38.
.
Glossary
Merriam-Webster
Online
(dictionary)
-
(ref:
http://www.m-w.com/)
Amygdala
the
one of
the
four
basal
ganglia
in
each
cerebral
hemisphere
that
is part
of
the limbic
system
and
consists
of
an
almond-
shaped
mass
of
grey
matter
in the
anterior
extremity
of
the
temporal
lobe
--
called
also
amygdaloid
nucleus.
Conformation
any
of
the
spatial
arrangements
of
a
molecule
that
can
be
obtained
by
rotation
of the
atoms
about
a
single
bond.
Conscious
perceiving,
apprehending,
or
noticing
with
a
degree
of
controlled
thought
or
observation.
Chromatin
a
complex
of
nucleic
acid
and
basic
proteins
(as
histone)
in
eukaryotic
cells
that
is usually
dispersed
in
the
interphase
nucleus
and
condensed
into
chromosomes
in
mitosis
and
meiosis
Hertz
(Hz)
a unit
of
frequency
equal
to one
cycle
per
second.
Homeostasis
a
relatively
stable
state
of
equilibrium
or
a tendency
toward
such
a
state
between
the
different
but
interdependent
elements
or
groups
of
elements
of
an
organism,
population,
or
group
Ionizing
to
convert
wholly
or
partly
into
ions.
Lymphocytes
any
of
the
colourless
weakly
motile
cells
originating
from
stem
cells
and
differentiating
in lymphoid
tissue
(as
of
the
thymus
or bone
marrow)
that
are
the
typical
cellular
elements
of lymph
, include
the
cellular
mediators
of immunity,
and
constitute
20 to
30 percent
of the
white
blood
cells
of
normal
human
blood.
Melatonin
a
vertebrate
hormone
derived
from
serotonin
and
secreted
by
the
pineal
gland
especially
in
response
to
darkness.
Neuron
a
greyish
or
reddish
granular
cell
with
specialized
processes
that
is the
fundamental
functional
unit
of
nervous
tissue.
Psychosocial
involving
both psychological
and
social
aspects.
Schemata
a
mental
codification
of
experience
that
includes
a
particular
organized
way
of perceiving
cognitively
and
responding
to
a
complex
situation
or
set
of
stimuli
Semantic
of
or
relating
to
meaning
in
language/of
or
relating
to
semantics.
Subconscious
existing
in
the
mind
but
not
immediately
available
to
consciousness.
Subliminal
inadequate
to
produce
a
sensation
or a
perception/
existing
or
functioning
below
the threshold
of
consciousness.
Thermal
of,
relating
to,
or
caused
by
heat.
Unconscious
not knowing
or perceiving:
not
aware.
Bibliography
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