Studies by Taylor et al. (2001) reveal that people find fractals with a fractal dimension (D) of 1.3–1.5 most beautiful, as they strike a balance between order and complexity.
Kaplan’s studies on restorative environments, particularly those with large bodies of water, confirm that exposure to natural beauty reduces stress and increases well-being.
Studies on kinematics reveal that people are drawn to movements that minimize energy expenditure, reflecting an innate preference for efficiency and grace (Todorov, 2004).
Csikszentmihalyi’s work on flow highlights how beauty emerges in actions that balance challenge and skill, reflecting order in human engagement.
A 2010 study in *PLoS ONE* found that witnessing altruistic acts activates brain areas associated with aesthetic appreciation, suggesting that we perceive beauty in harmonious social interactions.
Research by Møller and Thornhill (1998) shows that people prefer “perfect imperfection,” where asymmetry complements underlying order.