Abstract Based on the multidimensional visual perception of materials, the Kansei engineering method was employed to investigate the multidimensional perceptual strategy and the basis of aesthetic perception of materials. Solid wood and metal, common materials in interior environments that are closely related to health care, were used as material samples. The study was conducted on an online, self-developed collection, selecting more than 300 participants among designers and consumers with a mixed ratio of males to females to participate in the experiments. The first study screened out eight dimensions of material perception by visual semantic differences, selecting 80 metal materials and 14 solid wood materials for multidimensional perception tests. According to the test results, 12 metal materials and six solid wood materials were assigned systematically to 72 dual-material products to calculate the perceptual distance of each dimension among these materials. The results demonstrate that people have similar perception clue strategies in most perception dimensions between different materials. Regarding products with multiple materials, the perception of the materials on the main display surface has a more powerful influence on the overall product perception. The harmonious combination of materials will enhance health care in daily life. This article provides a possible cognitive clue on materials. The experimental results provide reference for medical product design.