Design—in all its forms—holds more power and influence than we think. The field of behavioral architecture or behavioral design has to do with design’s influence on human behavior. For example, it is a known fact that design can influence a person’s decisions. The most advanced design companies use behavioral design principles and processes to create environments or products that could affect the movement, choices, and actions of the people who will use these built spaces or items. To some extent, spaces, materials, colors, layouts, products, and so on can also anticipate human behavior.
“There is no doubt… about the influence of architecture and structure upon human character and action… we make our buildings and afterward they make us,” said Winston Churchill. Of course, the interior spaces—of buildings built for human activities, for example—are a prime consideration as far as behavioral architecture is concerned because people live a huge part of their lives inside these structures. Therefore, design has a role to play in every thought, emotion, activity, decision, and action that happens inside these spaces. In supermarkets, for example, the layout or positioning of products are intentionally arranged to influence the actions or purchase decisions of customers.
The interior designers, architects, engineers, developers, planners, and so on, all carry the responsibility and the power to guide and facilitate the manifestations of thoughts and actions of people and their social interactions. This is an important factor that must be taken into consideration by everyone involved in such activities because what they do have in common is an important social responsibility.
In designing a space, one of the first things to consider is its intended purpose. A designer has to know of the things that will transpire within a certain space to be able to design it in such a way that it meets the specific requirements of its users or to anticipate those requirements. A well-designed kitchen, for instance, encourages ease of movement while cooking, thereby reducing the stress of the room’s users and helping to promote a pleasant outcome.
The basic principles of behavioral design can likewise be applied in master-planning cities, again with the aim of positively influencing the mood, behavior, and health of people. Minimizing traffic and pollution, placing adequate pedestrian spaces and green areas, and including features that encourage activity and promote social interaction are a few examples of design components that may help lessen the stress of urban dwellers and increase the liveability of cities.
When designing your own space, make it your goal to create a space that is not just comfortable but can also make you feel good. Some of the ways to do this are by using colors and materials that you like, removing clutter, and allowing natural light and fresh air to enter. If your space can help put you in a good mood, your decisions and behavior will most likely be positive, too.
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