People, Places, and Things

The psychology of design: How to create an environment in which you will thrive

Sally Augustin Ph.D.

Seats, Options, Selections

Use science to overcome design paralysis.

It's Time to De-Clutter!

Clutter can, and must, go.

Looking out the Window, What Should You See?

Put science to work outside your window.

Benefits of the Indoor Plant

Add a potted plant to your world!

Coloring Your World—With Light

Want to feel calmer? More alert? Get along better with others? Think more creatively? Change your light bulb.

Break Out the Candles!

Science-based insights are handy at the holidays.

Silence: Golden?

Quiet is worth the effort.

Go With Green

Thinking of sprucing up your home before end-of-year entertaining begins? Use what scientists have learned to select your hues.

Reflecting on Mirrors

Put up some mirrors, change your life.

Design Empathy

Designing with empathy is designing for everyone's comfort.

Maintain What’s Right in Your World

Polishing and sweeping can be good for your mind as well as your waistline.

Picking Paint Colors

Use science to select colors that are "just right" for your rooms.

Designing for Diet Season

Tweak the design of your home to live a healthier life.

Take a Walk!

Want to feel—and be—better mentally and physically? Dig out your sneakers and go for a stroll.

Airplane Anguish

The friendly skies are often not a very pleasant place to be.

Connecting Spaces

If you can't knock down any walls, but want an open floor plan, don't lose heart. Use color, scents, light, furniture, and a few design tricks to unite separate spaces.

Hygge Is Here—and That’s a Good Thing

Make your life better, with hygge!

Besting Stuffiness with Science-Based Scenting

Your nose is always sniffing--make sure it's smelling the right scents!

Warm Hands, Warm Heart

Want to build relationships? Order rounds of toasty and tasty beverages for all!

Red, Green, and Blue, for the Holidays

Use science-based insights when you decorate this holiday season.

Giving Guests Control, Making Them Comfortable

Inviting guests? Consider their options.

Why Should You Build Some Nostalgia Into Your Life?

Nostalgia can make your life better.

Eye Contact: Yes! or No!

Design can keep us all comfortable, no matter how much eye contact we desire.

Thinking About Our Senses

It's becoming clear we do more than see, hear, taste, touch, and smell.

Warming and Cooling With Color

Color has power, and it can be harnessed for good!

Home Design Advice for Recent Graduates

Are all the choices you need to make while planning your new home overwhelming? Cognitive science research can simplify your selections.

Designing for Decompressing

Where will you really relax?

Flying the Stressful Skies

Airplane interiors are about the least hospitable places around, from a psychological perspective.

Green It Is!

Green up your life. It'll be good for your body and your mind.

Designing Your View

It's time to manage your garden--use cognitive science to fine tune your plans.

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