(Reprint from 10/29/2010)
When thinking about how design effects behavior, one is prone to view technology, consumer products, web-based artifacts, digital and or social media as the proverbial objects, however, I being to wonder about what was really important and what artifacts have the greatest influences on my behavior. I came to the conclusion that it was not technology or other gadgets, but the simple things that I encounter on a day-to-day bases. The one object that seemed to meet all the stimuli was not a gadget but an environment, which I frequent for a small cup of coffee, espresso an a occasional cup of Earl Gray. I am not speaking of any particular place because I visit different coffee shops based on my mood and or the tasks at hand.
These cultural artifacts which have been around for centuries, today provide me with ambiance and a hot cup of coffee, while for others they offer an array of specialty drinks and sometimes pastries or a sandwich. To a novice, there is very little difference between one environment and another, however as you frequent these social habits you will observe how the overall design has a direct effect on one’s behavior and the incubation of a coffee culture within these habitat.
In order to reap the benefits of the culture you have to learn how to navigate the space. Although the merchandise is limited in scope and the physical space is sometimes restricted, this has no impact on the community’s desire to participate and multiply. Therefore, brand is important for quality, consistency and reputation. Some cultures pride themselves on offering CRS Free Trade, Think Local First, USDA Organic, Fair Trade USA, Certified Organic, and SVK Kosher to their communities as a means of being environmentally friendly. Health conscious individuals require specific product combinations' that allow them the perception of uniqueness. This adds to how one’s behavior is modifying when interacting within the environment and the overall feeling of "making a contribution" to the world community.
The experts of these communities are known as Batista. They are able to negotiate the tools and merge another community’s culture and etiquette with their own, thereby supporting the perception of acceptation and ease of manipulation into their community’s of practice. The Barista’s knowledge of the coffee culture transcends all the countries on the globe, for example Jerusalem, Spain, or Italy just to name a few. Most users know that a frappe is not always a frappe, ask any Batista.
The technologies in these habitats are completely transparent and there is an expectation that connectivity is simplistic, intuitive, and functioning. The interface allows all forms of technology to interact without any glitches thereby allowing the user a multitude of potential experiences. This transparency in many was is one of the main attractions for participation into this coffee culture.
The experts of these communities are known as Batista. They are able to negotiate the tools and merge another community’s culture and etiquette with their own, thereby supporting the perception of acceptation and ease of manipulation into their community’s of practice. The Barista’s knowledge of the coffee culture transcends all the countries on the globe, for example Jerusalem, Spain, or Italy just to name a few. Most users know that a frappe is not always a frappe, ask any Batista.
The technologies in these habitats are completely transparent and there is an expectation that connectivity is simplistic, intuitive, and functioning. The interface allows all forms of technology to interact without any glitches thereby allowing the user a multitude of potential experiences. This transparency in many was is one of the main attractions for participation into this coffee culture.
Although members of these communities prefer to spend time in these social habitats, the product is completely portable.
The visceral design is often unnoticed but its feel is inviting and captivating. When negotiating the space, one learns that the lighting patterns offer different sub-habitats within a single space. The overhead lighting allows for text reading, document evaluation and web based functions; while dimmer areas allows for more intimate conversation and social interaction. The secondary artifacts (i.e. furniture, chairs, stools) are movable thereby allowing the users to determine how they would like to mediate the space for engagement and collaborate.
The interior space is usually made up of warm hues and natural colors that are inviting, relaxing and at the same time invigorating, thereby time is no longer paramount. Many of the tables are round or small rectangles that provide a cozy and personal workspace in oppose to a standard rectangle work area that occupies a traditional office. Many habitats provide comfortable seating areas that consist of over sized chairs and or inviting sofas. Some coffee shops are also referred to as cafes'; they even resemble someones personal living space thereby providing a nice homely feeling.
The visceral design is often unnoticed but its feel is inviting and captivating. When negotiating the space, one learns that the lighting patterns offer different sub-habitats within a single space. The overhead lighting allows for text reading, document evaluation and web based functions; while dimmer areas allows for more intimate conversation and social interaction. The secondary artifacts (i.e. furniture, chairs, stools) are movable thereby allowing the users to determine how they would like to mediate the space for engagement and collaborate.
The interior space is usually made up of warm hues and natural colors that are inviting, relaxing and at the same time invigorating, thereby time is no longer paramount. Many of the tables are round or small rectangles that provide a cozy and personal workspace in oppose to a standard rectangle work area that occupies a traditional office. Many habitats provide comfortable seating areas that consist of over sized chairs and or inviting sofas. Some coffee shops are also referred to as cafes'; they even resemble someones personal living space thereby providing a nice homely feeling.
When you have acquired mastery of the tools you are able to participate with confidence. The artifacts used to hold the products add to the stimulation of the biological functions of the brain. The artistic design accompanying the product is satisfying to the eye and the heat that radiates into the pores of ones hands becomes comforting, as the aroma is as familiar as an old friend thereby, heightening the multi-sensory experience.
Once one has become an active participant and learned how to mediate the space, its usability becomes familiar and fully functional. You immediately know what area in the environment meets your needs and purpose.
When a user submits to this social artifact's aura of warm hues, controlled lighting and pleasant scent; often time reflective thought occurs that makes one trust the environment as a home away from home. You take a deep breath and begin to focus on your purpose.
Once one has become an active participant and learned how to mediate the space, its usability becomes familiar and fully functional. You immediately know what area in the environment meets your needs and purpose.
When a user submits to this social artifact's aura of warm hues, controlled lighting and pleasant scent; often time reflective thought occurs that makes one trust the environment as a home away from home. You take a deep breath and begin to focus on your purpose.
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