IDFX content area #2 counts for 10% of the exam and covers Human Behavior and the Designed Environment, and also covers universal and accessible design.
2. Human Behavior and the Designed Environment, 10 Items – 10%
- Influences (environmental, social, psychological, cultural, aesthetic, global)
- Human factors (e.g., ergonomics, anthropometrics, proxemics)
- Sensory considerations (e.g., acoustics, lighting, visual stimuli, color theory, scent, tactile)
- Universal Design
- Special population considerations (e.g., Aging in Place, pediatric, special needs)
Here's an overview of what you need to know for IDFX
Don’t confuse design theory with a design style. Style is an aesthetic, such as French provincial. Design theory is a designer’s unique approach to a creative problem solving process based on one or more of the following:
- Historic precedent
- Human behavior and perception
- A particular process
- Environmental design research and evidence-based design
- A designer’s personal worldview
- Functional needs
Both the elements and principles of design theory are visual building blocks common to all design practices.
Consider the sensory considerations of how the principles and elements work together with acoustics, lighting, visual stimuli, color theory, scent, and tactile qualities to create a design solution. Special populations including children and the elderly may experience these qualities differently.
Design Theory – Elements
Design Theory – Principles
- Harmony and unity
- Contrast and variety
The design of the built environment relies not only on theory, but also the temperament of what’s happening outside of the immediate confines of the project. While more subjective and ever-changing, some not so obvious influences include:
- Cultural and societal beliefs
- Political conditions
- Cultural symbolism
- Psychological factors
Economic conditions frequently resonate in interior and architectural design. In times of financial hardship, designs are often more streamlined and subdued.
A more stable, prosperous economy will often substantiate more luxurious designs.
ErgonomicsHuman factors focus on the fit between objects, spaces and users. With an emphasis on physical dimensions, psychological, social and physical needs are also considered.
Ergonomics studies the relationships between the human body and the physical environment. It uses anthropometric data as a base, but focuses more on the interaction with specific objects and tasks, such as a stove top for cooking or office workstations
Anthropometrics focuses on the size, proportion and range of motions of the body.
Findings are statistically grouped by sex, age and percentile ratios.
ProxemicsA behavior setting links the effects of the physical environment with behavior patterns of the people using the space. By knowing the activity taking place in the space and how the users will react, the designer can then develop programmatic concepts for the project.
Some behavioral components include:
Describes how people use a space based on circumstance and cultural aspects. Four different distances are identified in the theory of proxemics:
- Intimate distance
- Personal distance
- Social distance
- Public distance
A non-verbal communication in claiming ownership to a space. You've likely seen a person sitting at a six-person sized table at coffee shop with their belongings strewn about, letting others know this is “their space” and their unwillingness to share.