A Study on the Research Model and Hypothesis Development of Color Design for Chinese Youth Apartments Based on the PCCS Tone System and the SOR Model

This study investigates how PCCS-based interior color tones influence residential satisfaction among youth, utilizing the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) model. The research emphasizes the role of perceptual congruence as a mediating factor that reflects alignment between interior color design and individual characteristics, including aesthetic preferences, functional needs, cultural background, and self-identity. Twelve visual stimuli (T1–T12) were developed using four tone categories of the PCCS system (Light, Pure, Medium, Dark). These stimuli were applied to a standardized living room layout and shown to young Chinese participants, who evaluated each based on perceptual congruence and their intention to reside in or recommend the space. The analysis demonstrated that perceptual congruence plays a significant mediating role between color tone and residential satisfaction. Designs perceived as more congruent with participants' psychological and cultural characteristics resulted in higher levels of satisfaction and behavioral intention. This study expands the S-O-R framework into residential color design, showing that structured color tone planning aligned with user perception can significantly enhance youth housing satisfaction. The findings offer practical guidance for designing emotionally resonant and user-centered living environments.