A guideline of private-photography in interactive installation art through the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) model in China

Private photography is a cultural phenomenon shaped by social and historical transformations, with many scholars contributing perspectives on its development. The functional dimension of this form of photography is primarily reflected in documentary practices. In recent years, private photography has shifted towards emotional expression through technology, while interactive art has served to enhance audience engagement. However, integrating the two poses challenges, particularly in balancing interactivity with intimacy, and existing research gaps remain in areas such as emotional mechanisms and curatorial strategies. This study aims to develop a guideline for enhancing emotional experiences in small private-photography exhibitions via interactive art and multi-sensory designs using mixed methods to identify core elements and propose design strategies. This study addresses the challenge of balancing interactivity and intimacy by applying the SOR model to clarify how interactive installations enhance emotional experiences in private-photography exhibitions. A mixed-methods approach was employed, consisting of qualitative interviews with 23 Chinese curators and quantitative surveys of 348 respondents. Data analyses included thematic coding and multiple regression. Visual and auditory stimuli are central to enhancing emotional experiences in private-photography interactive installations, as they influence cognitive perceptions and drive participation intentions. While information familiar affects cognition, it has limited influence on emotion. Balancing creativity with resources and employing personalized multi- sensory designs not only validate the SOR model but also provide targeted strategies. This study advances the application of the SOR model in private-photography interactive installations by refining multi-sensory mechanisms. From a practical perspective, it provides design guidelines for curators, while from a social perspective, it enhances cultural inclusiveness and promotes the role of interactive art in niche exhibitions.