In the third step, the step of interpretation, Kansei engineering offers several different ways to connect the semantic assessment to design elements. Wikstro¨ m (2002) uses qualitative methods in order to acquire the interpretation. The SMB- method does not include this step. However several guidelines from previous research are known, for example there are positive correlations between increased colour strength and high complexity and positive correlation between darkness and potency (Ha˚ rd et al. 1995).
In a previous study, Laike (1999) stated that the SMB was a useful tool for measuring the experience of a vehicle interior. One of the goals of Laike’s (1999) study was to investigate if there were methods available for measuring the impression of a vehicle interior. Since there was a vast amount of research available in the area of architectural design the focus came to be to investigate if any of the methods previously employed in architectural design might be applied to car interiors. The criteria of the method was that it should be easy to administrate, have high reliability and validity, be easily adaptable for cross cultural comparisons and gave useful knowledge for design, development and marketing.