People, Places, and Things

Biophilia

Very Retro Design

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on June 22, 2026

The principle behind biophilic spaces is that what made us happy and our brains work well long ago has the same effect on us today.

The principle behind biophilic spaces is that what made us happy and our brains work well long ago has the same effect on us today.

Scent

Smelling Good, Feeling Good

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on May 19, 2026

Managing the scents around you is an important part of managing your life.

Managing the scents around you is an important part of managing your life.

Cognition

Speaking and Being: Languages and Experiences Are Linked

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on April 19, 2026

Language influences how you think and behave in ways you may not expect.

Language influences how you think and behave in ways you may not expect.

Creativity

Take a Walk, Think Creatively

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on February 24, 2026

Taking a walk can do more than support physical health. It helps spark new ideas and improves mental performance.

Taking a walk can do more than support physical health. It helps spark new ideas and improves mental performance.

Cognition

The Link Between Thinking and Being

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on January 28, 2026

How we think is linked to how we experience the world around us, in part through metaphors.

How we think is linked to how we experience the world around us, in part through metaphors.

Attention

Tuning Design to Be “Just Right”

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on December 2, 2025

The environment around us can make us feel more energized or more relaxed, so the best design options in any situation depend on our at-the-moment objectives.

The environment around us can make us feel more energized or more relaxed, so the best design options in any situation depend on our at-the-moment objectives.

Environment

Design With Time in Mind

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on November 2, 2025

Put time to work for you as you design your home.

Put time to work for you as you design your home.

Environment

The Science of Our Thermostat Settings

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on October 13, 2025

Environmental and psychological factors make us feel hot or cold.

Environmental and psychological factors make us feel hot or cold.

Biophilia

Biophilic Design—for Brains

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on September 1, 2025

Want to feel good? For your brain to function efficiently and effectively? Design biophilicly.

Want to feel good? For your brain to function efficiently and effectively? Design biophilicly.

Environment

Putting Art to Work

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on July 14, 2025

Art is good for you.

Art is good for you.

Biophilia

Design Your Way to Happiness

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on June 19, 2025

Want to feel better where you live and work? Incorporate biophilic design principles into your space.

Want to feel better where you live and work? Incorporate biophilic design principles into your space.

Scent

Good Smells, Good Life

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on June 7, 2025

The scents that surround you can affect mood, productivity, and other aspects of everyday life. Try these suggestions for "smellscaping" your spaces.

The scents that surround you can affect mood, productivity, and other aspects of everyday life. Try these suggestions for "smellscaping" your spaces.

Environment

Live Dynamically, but Don't Abandon the Familiar

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on May 6, 2025

We value change, but need the familiar in the spaces that surround us.

We value change, but need the familiar in the spaces that surround us.

Self-Help

Open-Water Swimming Supports Mental Health

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on March 27, 2025

Swimming outdoors, particularly in more natural settings, is as good for the mind as it is for the body.

Swimming outdoors, particularly in more natural settings, is as good for the mind as it is for the body.

Creativity

How Walking Can Put Your Mind at Ease and in Focus

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on March 7, 2025

Take a walk, be creative. It's scientific.

Take a walk, be creative. It's scientific.

Neuroscience

It’s Time to Pick Paint Colors

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on February 9, 2025

You can select paint colors that work for you—ones that make it more likely you'll achieve your goals and live a pleasant life as you do so.

You can select paint colors that work for you—ones that make it more likely you'll achieve your goals and live a pleasant life as you do so.

Cognition

How You Speak and What You Experience Are Related

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on December 13, 2024

There's more of a link between what you say and how you feel than you think.

There's more of a link between what you say and how you feel than you think.

Biophilia

Biophilic Design: What It Is and Why It Matters

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on October 28, 2024

In biophilic design, our spaces recreate positive elements of our lives long ago so we can live our best lives today.

In biophilic design, our spaces recreate positive elements of our lives long ago so we can live our best lives today.

Environment

Use Art to Improve Your Life

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on October 9, 2024

Curate your art and boost your well-being.

Curate your art and boost your well-being.

Biophilia

Biophilicly Designing Your Way to a Better Home Office

Sally Augustin Ph.D. on August 20, 2024

Think and design biophilicly to create a space where your brain can excel.

Think and design biophilicly to create a space where your brain can excel.