An analysis of the influence of perceptual dimensions in biomimetic packaging design on generation Z consumers' flow experiences using PLS-SEM, ANN, and fsQCA.

Physical packaging has evolved into a central medium for deep interaction between brands and consumers. While biomimetic design offers cross-disciplinary inspiration for product innovation, there remains a lack of systematic analysis-beyond linear reductionism-regarding how it triggers the immersive experience of "flow" through multidimensional sensory stimulation. Based on the "Function-Interaction-Sensory-Emotional-Value" theoretical framework, this study quantifies the five core perceptual dimensions of biomimetic packaging design (structural efficacy, immediate feedback, aesthetic appeal, narrative resonance, and sustainability value resonance). It innovatively employs a hybrid methodology integrating Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling, Artificial Neural Networks, and Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to achieve triangulated validation. An analysis of 218 valid survey responses from Gen Z consumers indicates that, with the exception of immediate feedback, all other perceptual dimensions exert a significant linear influence on the flow experience, exposing the "net effect trap" inherent in traditional symmetric analysis; The ANN's nonlinear sensitivity analysis precisely identified "aesthetic appeal" and "narrative resonance" as the predictors with the highest weights, while confirming that immediate feedback still holds extremely high predictive value in nonlinear mapping; fsQCA further unraveled causal asymmetry, identifying three categories (totaling four pathways) of equivalent configuration paths leading to high levels of flow: emotional and narrative-driven, value recognition-driven, and functional and sensory experience. This confirmed that immediate feedback must function as a boundary condition in synergy with other dimensions to be effective. This study deeply integrates and extends existing theoretical frameworks on design perception and flow, expanding their application from digital contexts to physical interactions. By revealing the multiple concurrent mechanisms underlying the generation of immersive experiences, this study provides robust empirical support for companies seeking to develop highly resilient, differentiated design strategies.