Every time my partner walks through the door, they immediately toss their keys onto the nearest flat surface and sets any bags directly on the floor by the counter before continuing through the house. Later, they’re frustrated because they can’t find anything and they’re running late.
It’s not that they’re unorganized and it isn't even a willpower problem. It's an environment design problem.
Environment design is the idea that the spaces around you - how they're arranged, what's visible, what's accessible - quietly shape your behavior without you realizing it. Research examining how people interact with their surroundings suggests that both natural and man-made environments can significantly affect how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives.
The thing is, most of us design our spaces by accident. We put things where they fit, not where they'll help us make better choices. The keys end up aimlessly on a countertop because it’s convenient. The running shoes get shoved in the closet because they're in the way. The credit card stays in your wallet because, well, where else would it go?
But small changes in spatial arrangement can shift behavior patterns. Studies on environmental experience design indicate that factors like how spaces are organized, the sensory experiences they provide, and the opportunities for different behaviors can influence both how people feel and what actions they take.
The good news is that we can absolutely leverage this. Start with one behavior you want to change and redesign your environment to make the desired action easier and the undesired action harder.
Want to make your keys easier to find? Put a key dish or some sort of bowl where you naturally toss your keys when you come in the door.
Want to drink more water? Put a full glass on your desk every morning and keep your water bottle on the counter, not in the cupboard.
Want to scroll less? Charge your phone in another room overnight and remove social media apps from your home screen. You can still access them, but the friction matters.
Want to read more? Keep a book on your pillow so you have to move it before bed.
Want to save money? Freeze your credit card in a block of ice (seriously). You can still use it for emergencies, but impulse purchases become physically impossible.
The goal isn't to eliminate choice but to tilt the environment in your favor. Make the good option the easy option and the bad option require an extra step or two.
Did this resonate with you? Forward it on to someone who could use it too. These insights are better when shared.
Cheers,
Alex
Disclaimer: I'm a curious researcher, not a licensed psychologist. I study these concepts because I believe understanding how our minds work can help us navigate life more effectively. This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. Please consult qualified professionals for personal guidance. Individual results may vary, and readers should use their own judgment when applying these concepts.