Exploring spatial perceptions in online environments: Focus on workspace and SNS

This study evaluated the spatial dimension of online environments and investigated the characteristics and spatial experiences of online spaces as distinct from physical spaces. In addition, as user experience with physical spaces differs by purpose, this study examined online space experiences by dividing them into SNS for social interaction and online collective workspaces (e.g., Notion, Slack) for work. To this end, this study investigated how four spatial perceptions in online spaces of SNS and workspaces influenced the online spatial experience through a survey. We examined the effects of these spatial experiences on satisfaction with the space and intention to continue using it. The results of this study, analyzed through structural equation modeling, show that spaciousness and order significantly affect satisfaction with online space. A multiple-group analysis was conducted for SNS and workspaces with different purposes, and the results showed significant differences between the two spaces in perceived complexity and order. This study has academic implications in reorganization of users’ online space experiences into spatial perceptions and practical contributions, suggesting online space design to promote the experience through improved spatial perception.