Design and the Mind

How everyday objects affect our moods, thoughts, and behavior.

by Ingrid Fetell

Sad times call for soft textures

If you've ever wondered why children reach for a teddy bear or security blanket when they're upset, new research may give a clue. A study just published in The Journal of Consumer Research suggests that people are more attentive to tactile stimuli when they're in a negative frame of mind, Read More

Unhappy Hipsters: Does modern architecture make us gloomy?

A new blog has been making the rounds of the twittersphere for the past couple of weeks, inspiring lots of knowing giggles among design enthusiasts. The blog, Unhappy Hipsters, takes images from the popular architecture and design magazine Dwell, and offers new captions about the emotional states of the people in the photos. Read More