Essay

Think Smarter for Positive Behavior Change

As interactive architecture gives way to adaptive architecture, it becomes important to understand how a more responsive space impacts its occupants. That is, does it make decisions for them? Or, does it provide choice to get occupants to think more carefully about their own decisions? Perhaps, the adaptive architecture can decipher when to do each — giving occupants the best of both worlds.

You see, as a designer of adaptive architecture, you may not want your design to do everything for your occupants. There are some things that occupants either like to do, or need to do, themselves. For example, technologies integrated within an adaptive architecture might suggest ordering food from the grocery store; however, it is ultimately up to the occupant as to which exact food to buy. Allowing for occupant choice in this case takes into account occupant mood, taste, and budget.

So, as you design with new interactive technologies, think about whether they make their occupants think. Do they remove decision-making from the occupant? Or do they strategically get their occupant to think smarter about the decisions they make?

Remember — by getting an occupant to think smarter, you could be encouraging behavior change with your design. Suddenly, your design is helping its occupants to make more informed decisions, and this can lead to happier and healthier quality of life.

Image Credit: toprankonlinemarketing | Flickr