Not just for the client or the designer, but as a human it
is important to have control over your environment and how you are involved in
it. Personally, I go out of the way to make the environments around me more
comfortable and just make it feel like I belong in that space. As a designer one
can always reference the Foundational Theories of Environmental Psychology
(Integration, Stimulation, Control and Behavior-Setting) to make that space
feel just right. Control Theory is key to keep in mind when making sure the client
is getting what they want. As a designer, you can manipulate certain aspects of
the design while the client remains in control. James Averill proposed that the
control theory should be broken into three subcategories: Behavioral, Cognitive
and Decisional.
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| My house in Costa Rica Walls all the way around for a private oasis or open the gate up right onto the beach |
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Behavioral Control- Ability to change the
environment
o
Design environments in accordance to how people
behave in that space
§
Ex: Lighting in a fancy restaurant to set the
mood
§
Ex: Libraries cause you to change your behavior
the moment you set foot inside
§
Ex: The way your retail space is laid out
influences consumer buying behavior
·
Cognitive Control- Ability to change the way in
which we conceive of an environment
o
Design environments that even in an
uncomfortable situation, allows the mind to be at ease
§
Ex: Design work-spaces/classrooms to enhance
collaboration and engagement instead of isolated spaces
§
Ex: Hospitals utilize white noise to keep
worried minds active
§
Ex: Clubs play upbeat music to get people up on
their feet
·
Decisional Control- Ability to choose how you
respond
o
Design environments that have multiple outlets
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| Source |
§ Ex: The ability to leave a scary/uncomfortable environment
§
Ex: The choice to decide level of involvement
Ultimately, the Control Theory directly influences how we respond
to situations within certain environments. It affects us all daily, but as a
designer, we must do our best at utilizing this theory to provide spaces that satisfy
our clients’ needs and wants.
I like how you specified specific spaces in which you would be aware of the different aspects of the control theory, and that you specified that what the client wants is the most important; not just the designer.
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