By decoding the behavioral mechanisms underlying material perception, this study pioneers a sensory nudging strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials. This study, grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, investigates the factors influencing the purchase intention and loyalty of wood-plastic composites (WPCs), specifically examining the impact of material stimuli, surface treatment processes, product carriers, and environmental stimuli on consumers’ perceptions of uniqueness and emotional responses. A total of 335 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), with the results indicating that material stimuli and product stimuli were the strongest predictors of perceived uniqueness and emotional responses. Moreover, emotional response had a significantly stronger effect on purchase intention compared to uniqueness perception. Additionally, material familiarity positively moderated the relationship between emotional response and purchase intention. This study provides theoretical support for the marketing of WPCs, emphasizes the significance of integrating material properties, surface treatments, and usage environments in product design, and suggests new avenues for future research, particularly regarding the relationship between multisensory experiences and consumer behavior.

Burnout significantly impacts employee well-being and organisational efficiency, particularly in high-intensity and rigid environments such as Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). This study examined a novel intervention that combined cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and doodle theory to mitigate burnout among grassroots employees in Chinese SOEs. Over two years, the Happy Doodle Toolkit (HDT) was developed through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and co-design methods. A four-week field experiment involving 38 participants measured outcomes using the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey and collected 152 doodle diaries. Mean scores demonstrated significant improvements in burnout inventory measures, including emotional exhaustion (ΔM = −0.38), cynicism (ΔM = −0.25), and professional efficacy (ΔM = +0.27), all p < 0.001. Notably, younger employees (≤35 years) exhibited more substantial improvements, with cynicism declining more steeply than in older employees, as confirmed by a significant interaction between measurement time and age group (F = 5.759, p = 0.022). Qualitative data revealed enhanced emotional expression, cognitive reframing, and more positive work attitudes, aligning with the quantitative improvements. This study offers insights into the effectiveness of combining CBT and doodling as an intervention to reduce burnout. It provides new perspectives on enhancing mental health and job satisfaction among SOE employees and underscores the potential for personalised, cost-effective interventions in organisational settings.