Marketing research

I just was asked to participate in a research study recently. It had to do with web site layouts and product presentation. I was surprised that layouts colors and product presentation actually had an effect on me even though I was aware of what the point of the changes was. By simply changing the color scheme and orientation of the tool bar my opinion of how easy and welcoming the site was changed. Changing the picture of the product they were selling and the initial color scheme seen by the customer also had an affect on my opinion of the product. I was really surprised that any of this made a difference because I was totally conscious of these changes and what the point of them was. Interesting stuff.