First impressions count. In fact, any behavioural scientist will tell you all about First Impression Bias, that moment when we make quick judgement calls one way or the other!
Confirmation Bias
First impression bias stems from our embarrassingly limited ability to process information, often relying on the very first piece of information we receive. It’s a bit of a cliché but life really is like the cover of a book. We shouldn’t judge it…but we do.
And then, delving deeper, we enter the realm of confirmation bias when we focus on things that give greater credibility to evidence that fits our personal beliefs. We surround ourselves by people and stuff that align with our values, an echo-chamber that doesn’t challenge us, and so our bias prevails. In short, it’s a cognitive shortcut that kicks in for gathering and interpreting information, making the process quicker and more efficient.
The Halo Effect
Not to be mistaken with angels, we’re talking about the aura of glory surrounding an idealised person or thing, that moment when we judge someone or something to be attractive and therefore even better than it really is. It’s the positive impression that positively influences other feelings in another area.
The Pygmalion Effect
All sounding a little highbrow? Well, try The Pygmalion Effect! Dating back to 1968 when it was first studied, this is when someone’s high expectations of us become a self-fulfilling prophesy, pushing us to do even better!
Craftily Crafting Crafty Solutions
So, what’s all this got to do with Home Staging?
Well, it’s the science behind the creativity, the proven psychology applied to effective home staging, the discipline that principal designer, Jayne Morgan, thrives on!
Understanding the importance of first impressions is vital to an effectively staged home, one that captures the imagination, confirms our beliefs, builds us up and makes us feel good about ourselves.
Afterall, our brains are cognitively wired to take shortcuts and, just like people, homes get one shot at making a great first impression. Going beyond aesthetics, home staging should be a canvas for subtle psychological cues that shape how we perceive and connect with the property.
With Jane onboard, your home doesn’t just get a shot at looking good, it gets a clever combo of crafty crafting!