Abstract
This review aims to tackle the challenge of understanding how visual design cues can affect behavioural outcomes in a food context. The review answers two key questions: (1) What are the effects of the most important visual design cues on behavioural outcomes and how can they be explained? (2) What are the research gaps in this area? We start from a comprehensive taxonomy of visual design cues delineating the most important visual design cues. Next, we evaluate the extant research based on a structured, narrative literature review on visual design cues in the food domain. We differentiate between object processed and spatially processed visual design cues in food choice contexts and show how they affect behavioural outcomes through a range of psychological processes (attention, affective-, cognitive- and motivational reactions, food perceptions and attitudes). We end with recommendations which take into account the current food store context, the state-of-art in measuring psychological processes and behavioural outcomes and the specific food-, person- and context-related moderators. This review offers guidance for research to untangle the complexity of the effect of visual design cues in a food choice context.
Highlights
Every day, people are faced with a multitude of food choices ranging from choosing a particular food product to choosing how much food to buy
We end with recommendations which take into account the current food store context, the state-of-art in measuring psychological processes and behavioural outcomes and the specific food, person- and context-related moderators
By identifying and underpinning a future research agenda, the present review aims to contribute to tackling the challenge of understanding how visual design cues can affect behavioural outcomes in a food choice context
Summary
People are faced with a multitude of food choices ranging from choosing a particular food product (for example a healthy or sustainable option) to choosing how much food to buy. Food choices are often made on the spot, at the (online or offline) point where the food is offered to them [5,6]. When we enter a physical (food) store or visit an online (food) store, we are exposed to a multitude of visual cues or external, physical characteristics [7] of the product, packaging or environment that create the appearance of a product. Spatial elements like the design of in-store/online displays and advertisements, product presentation and logo or label orientation and positioning both online and offline are visual cues [9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
