Control Theory

Ponder this thought, how do we as humans know what to do in a space? Whether it be a large space, small space, crowded space, or a deserted space, how do we know what to do? James Averill has found what seems to be a simple explanation for this question. Control theory. There are three different types of control theory: Cognitive, Behavioral and Decisional. As a designer I use control theory on a day to day basis, but so does everyone else. In the next few paragraphs I will explain how everyone uses control theory not just designers.

First, there is cognitive control. Cognitive control is how we perceive an environment. Individuals have different feelings about every environment. A group of people could be sitting in a café enjoying the company of each other, they may be perceiving this space as a positive environment. Whereas, if a group of two were trying to study in the same café and the noise seems to be bothering them, they could be perceiving the space as a negative environment. By choosing the café as a negative or positive environment it is an exercise of cognitive control. Every person exercises cognitive control on a daily basis we just don’t catch it often.

Sugar Love Cafe

Photo taken by Me

Secondly, we have behavioral control. Behavioral control is when a person is able to physically change how they feel about the environment around them. Picture a very crowded store, when you walk into the store do you feel overwhelmed by how many people are in it? Or do you hop right into the crowd to find your favorite pair of jeans? If you feel overwhelmed and decide to leave, you are exercising your behavioral control by seeking out a less crowded store with less people. But if you jump right into the crowd, you are also exercising your behavioral control by adapting to your surroundings and finding your favorite pair of jeans.

Favorite pair of jeans
Hand sketched by me

Lastly, there is decisional control. Decisional control is when an individual has the ability to choose their response to a situation. As individuals we react to our environments differently such as, in a crowded restaurant. Let’s say a restaurant you have been craving was on a 45-minute wait. You have the choice in staying and waiting 45 minutes to be seated or you can walk right out the door and find a different restaurant.  Many things could influence your decision on whether to stay or go, like how hungry you are or if you can really wait 45 minutes to eat. 

Source

In conclusion, design can influence every control theory. As designers move forward in creating spaces they need to keep in mind what the end user wants and let them have control over the space. Allowing the end user to have control over the decisions can help improve the overall use of the space. 

Source 2

Cornelius R. R. (2000, September 5). Theoretical Approaches To Emotion. Retrieved October 19, 2018, from http://www.cs.columbia.edu/~julia/papers/cornelius00.pdf