Column

27-10-2022

SYSTEM 1 AND SYSTEM 2 THINKING

One of the brightest minds in modern psychology is the Nobel Laureate, Daniel Kahneman. His highly regarded book ‘Thinking Fast and Slow’ is concerned with the analysis of rational and non-rational human motivations.

He argues that there is a contradiction between two types of thinking. These, he calls System 1 (S1) and System 2 (S2). S1 produces quick mental responses; it is automatic, it forms stereotypes based on previous experiences, has a fast reflex, and is emotionally driven. S2 on the other hand is gentler, more resolute. It often needs cognitive effort to retrieve information. It is both focused and more rational.

What interests me about Kahneman’s research is how the defaults we, as humans lean toward within S1 or S2 thinking, could be enhanced within crafted spatial environments.

In a recent project on Tamborine Mountain, I was discussing this with my client. He related the following story: As a publican and an owner of hospitality venues, he created a circumstance where the staff would deliberately pump the smell of freshly-baked bread into the areas of patronage. Even though they weren’t a bakery as such, the scent would evoke strong associations in the clientele. The emotive response would result in a quantifiable difference in their bottom line.

When considering Kahneman’s breakdown of what constitutes S1 and S2, how would one design for intended outcomes that draw positively from both defaults of human thinking?

An S1 response to design might provide for a recognisable routine. For example, bathroom stop to kitchen, kitchen to coffee-machine, coffee-machine to pantry, pantry to toaster, and toaster to eastern patio and morning sun.

Sequences like this are juxtaposed with the unexpected challenges that might surface during the day. They provide steadiness and foundation without too much thinking - S1.

Conversely, an S2 response to space might allow for the anticipation of human connection. This could manifest as a firepit in the backyard around which memories are made. It’s not something that is part of daily routine, but rather is used when human interaction is the focus - S2.

It would be nice to think that to cater for both in design could provide a safe place for conscious and subconscious thinking and action to thrive.

Anthony Rigg
Bleuscape Design


Photos:
Top: Firepit concept for Hartley Road residence – Bleuscape Design
Bottom photo: S1 and S2 Thinking – Daniel Kahneman