To really change behavior and work human centered, we need to continue learning what works and what does not. This requires research in all the phases of a project.
The way I work can be seen as a cycle, a loop that can be completed over and over. Improving the quality of what we create by learning. Roughly the steps that are included in a cycle are: reflecting & understanding, creating, implementing and testing.
How I can help is based on this cycle. The steps I take are:
- Context Scan (reflecting & understanding): A first step in every project is to create a picture of the context. Both behavior as the physical environment itself needs to be analyzed to learn how we can change it to enhance wellbeing. I’ll make a context scan by observing on location, added with desk research.
- Laying the foundation (reflecting & understanding): The context scan will pinpoint several environment-behavior aspects that play a part. To be able to design a space that has an impact we need to understand the environment – sensory – behavior relationship better. By diving into the psychological literature a foundation can be laid. Finding and learning the mechanisms we need to use to change the space and to change behavior. I’ll make a theoretical framework based on academic literature and research.
- Designing (creating): The design phase will always happen in collaboration with designers and other specialists. Creating materials, creating installations and creating spaces together. I will focus on the design criteria and the way the design needs to function to have an effect on behavior or states of mind.
- Experimenting (implementing & testing): Since my work is about learning, developing and gaining knowledge the most important part is to implement and experiment with the design. To learn how users evaluate it and to discover it’s impact. Through pilots on location, the R&D cycle will be completed. I focus on running the pilot and the research part of it.
Need help with a project or behavioral problem? Give me a call. Together we can see which step I can take for you.
Contact:
renske@renskebongers.nl
renske@psychologistofsensesandspaces.com
instagram/psychologist_of_senses_spaces
+316 5205 8181
Visiting address:
Gasfabriek 3A, Eindhoven