Results showed that both groups had a preferred dimension for size over pattern. When size and patterns were combined, the Down's syndrome Ss were confused by the two dimensions, showing preference for one or the other. (Author/DLS)

Investigators administered a toy color-preference test to 160 subjects, 6 months to 4.5 years, equally divided by sex and race. Results indicated that, as a group, age affected color preference. A pro-black bias was found for younger children (under 30 months old). (Author/SJL)

The effects of different types of participation in planning dormitory environments was surveyed using sample populations of students at Cornell University. It was concluded that users want to participate in decisions concerning environments important to them. Participants, it was concluded, want also to work with experts. (RE)

Two experiments investigated why perceptual pretraining facilitates children's performance on concept problems involving a nonpreferred relevant dimension and preferred irrelevant dimensions. (JMB)

The design of housing for the elderly should, insofar as possible, take into account their needs and preferences. Direct solicitation of potential users' views was facilitated by use of slide shows, illustrating specific design alternatives, shown to small groups of the elderly, with concurrent discussion and "voting." (Author)

This research tested the hypothesis that young children's bias to generalize names for solid objects by shape is the product of statistical regularities among nouns in the early productive vocabulary. Fifteen- to 20-month-olds given intensive naming experiences with typical noun categories developed a precocious shape bias and showed accelerated…

Presents an interview with Dr. Lorraine Maxwell, an expert in human-environment relations, about important comfort and health issues to consider when looking at the furniture used as computer workstations in U.S. schools. (EV)

Offers design guidance for school restrooms, emphasizing the importance of keeping them sanitary and functional. Addresses the issues of building codes and American with Disabilities compliance. (EV)

Discusses important considerations when designing early childhood facilities, including adequate space, design features that work for both small children and adults, floorcovering, color, and technology. (EV)

Provides a step-by-step guide to choosing the most appropriate layout for a school newspaper. States that although content is the most important factor, layout is also an integral factor in catching reader interest. Describes formats, the use of body type, headline treatments, and the use of art. Presents a 13-item bibliography with more sources…

The developmental change from global toward dimensional classifications, usually observed in vision, was investigated in haptics with stimuli varying according to their size and roughness. Results indicated that, although more overall similarity classifications were observed in children than in adults, this kind of classification was never…

Centers on the development of an art test for determining subjects' preferences for simple and complex design, particularly the Uduehi preference test. Finds that this test truly represents elements of design from least to most complex; subjects preferences for designs increases with complexity; and the test is suitable for cross-cultural studies.…

Discusses how design projects can best be encountered through a designer approach that is inclusive of theoretical and practical knowledge as well as the capacity for pragmatic action. Highlights include design cultures and cultures of design; foundations of design; fundamental activities supported upon the foundations of design; and design…

This study examined 4- and 5-year-olds' ability to spontaneously use the relative duration and frequency of another's object-directed gaze for inferring that person's preference. In Experiment 1, analysis revealed a strong age effect for judgment accuracy, which could not be accounted for by cue-monitoring proficiency. Reducing the saliency of the…

The decision on whether to offer end-of-course evaluations in an electronic format or in traditional scan sheet format generates conflicting viewpoints. From an expediency perspective, offering evaluations online saves time and money and returns the results to faculty more quickly. From a student point of view, concerns involve convenience and…