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Control through graphic design ?
Hi guys,
Can design influence human behaviour? The urinals in the men’s toilets at
Amsterdam airport have a fly etched in the bowl, just above and slightly to
the left of the drain holes. Why? Well, believe it or not, the etched flies cut
down the cleaning needs of the toilets by 80%. How? Men aim at the flies
and therefore don’t splash on the floor—it’s as simple as that!
This innocuous graphic device has, quite simply, controlled the process
of male urination. Without being aware of it men are being told – ‘you watch
where you’re peeing and we’ll save money’.
Can you think of any other ideas that present 'control through graphic design' ?
Can design influence human behaviour? The urinals in the men’s toilets at
Amsterdam airport have a fly etched in the bowl, just above and slightly to
the left of the drain holes. Why? Well, believe it or not, the etched flies cut
down the cleaning needs of the toilets by 80%. How? Men aim at the flies
and therefore don’t splash on the floor—it’s as simple as that!
This innocuous graphic device has, quite simply, controlled the process
of male urination. Without being aware of it men are being told – ‘you watch
where you’re peeing and we’ll save money’.
Can you think of any other ideas that present 'control through graphic design' ?
- Contact in PM
MojoLogo
Messages count : 4Likes count : 0Registration : 2 February 2012I think it can and does, advertising influences thee world to buy. Whether it's print or digital media.
Love you example though, very funny. - Contact in PM
ilovedesign
Messages count : 4Likes count : 0Registration : 12 January 2012I suddenly have the urge to go into this airport just so I can see these flies… I would have to sneak into the men’s room, but it might be worth it. There is a lot of manipulation that goes on between the lines of graphic design. I remember in school being taught that the color red encouraged people to buy more and more likely to spend their money. - Contact in PM
artlover
Messages count : 3Likes count : 0Registration : 25 April 2012There is a book called "nudge" which you should read. It contains quite a bit about how placement of things influence choice, and how you can architect people's situations to get them to make better choices. - Contact in PM
naturalelixirinfo
Messages count : 5Likes count : 1Registration : 6 July 2012Control through graphic design?
Graphic design is the practice of communicating visually, so if you can get someone to respond to what you are communicating then you are directly influencing their behavior. This can be done both consciously and unconsciously. So the effectiveness of a design can be measured by how much it influences behavior. - Contact in PM
mary444
Messages count : 8Likes count : 1Registration : 5 October 2012I think it can... But the logic you have designed in your post in quite weird. However, it is true that design influence your nature. - Contact in PM
tanu14
Messages count : 2Likes count : 0Registration : 8 February 2024Post moderatedAbsolutely, graphic design can be a powerful tool to influence human behavior. The Amsterdam airport urinal example is a perfect illustration! Here are some other ideas:
Speed limit signs: Eye-catching designs or contrasting colors can grab drivers' attention, making them more likely to register the speed limit.
Directional signage: Clear and intuitive signage in public spaces can subtly guide people towards specific areas or behaviors.
Warning labels: Graphic symbols and pictograms can effectively communicate safety hazards without relying on text.
Learning graphic design can equip you to create visuals that influence behavior. You can find many graphic design courses available online and in person.
