Evidence Based Design

Evidence- Based Design is most commonly associated with health care, but the truth is that it is beneficial and used for many different occupancy types.  In 1999 a Herman Miller study was performed and the result was that the adaptability of the classroom such as seating, colors, and providing operable windows drastically affects the learning and teaching ability of the staff and students.  Colors of the room have also proven to show an affect on children's behavior in classrooms.

The book “Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” brings interesting topics of evidence based design findings, the studies showed that food shoppers were likely to spend more money in a store that was designed in a clockwise circulation.  Their Evidence also showed that men prefer stores with metals and dark wood.  As designers it is extremely valuable in knowing evidence such as this to be able to provide the most functional and appealing designs for clients.

“As part of an interior designer’s responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of building occupants, clearly any evidence linking a material with user discomfort — or worse, illness — should directly inform design choices.”

Evidence Based Design is seen as the future of design.  Clients and designers will be more educated on evidence based design and it will soon become as much in demand as green design.  It is important for the designer to be well acquainted with evidence based design to be able to provide the safety and comfort to the human public, and also to educate the client and prove themselves worthy of the project needs.

Sources:
http://www.iida.org/content.cfm/the-future-of-evidence-based-design
Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping by Paco Underhill