Short answer

Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.

Field: Classic Design
Source: Educational Philosophy and Theory (2017)
Method: Conjunctural analysis informed by spatial practice theories and new materialism.
Evidence: Moderate effect

The physical elements within a learning environment possess an inherent agency that actively influences pedagogical approaches and student experiences, moving beyond a purely human-centric design perspective. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Educational Philosophy and Theory. Using Conjunctural analysis informed by spatial practice theories and new materialism., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.

Study

Classic DesignHigh ImpactModerate effect

The Agency of Objects: How Materiality Shapes Educational Spaces

Educational Philosophy and Theory · 2017

Key Findings

01Physical objects and spaces in learning environments have an active role in shaping pedagogy.
02Rethinking the anthropocentric view of design reveals the power of material elements to influence learning dynamics.
03The design of open-plan spaces is intrinsically linked to principals' understanding of 'space' and its pedagogical implications.

Application

Design takeaway

Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.

How to apply

When designing any space intended for interaction or specific activities, consider how the choice of materials, furniture, and layout can actively shape the user's experience and behaviour, rather than just serving as a static container.

Project actions

01When researching your design problem, think about the physical materials and objects involved and how they might be influencing the user.
02Consider how the form and properties of your chosen materials could actively contribute to the function of your design, not just its appearance.

Method & Evidence

AimTo analyze how the material and spatial configurations of innovative learning environments (ILEs) in New Zealand actively shape pedagogical practices and student engagement, by considering the agency of non-human elements.

MethodConjunctural analysis informed by spatial practice theories and new materialism.

ProcedureThe research examined the relationship between national education strategic plans, school leaders' conceptions of ILEs, and the lived experiences within redesigned educational facilities, focusing on the influence of material objects and spatial arrangements.

ContextEducational facilities and policy implementation in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Variables

IVMaterial properties and spatial configurations of learning environments.

DVPedagogical approaches and student engagement.

CV["Specific educational policies.","Socio-economic context of the schools."]

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Introduces a novel theoretical lens (new materialism) to the study of educational spaces.
+Connects macro-level policy with micro-level lived experiences.

Limitations

It can be challenging to definitively prove the 'agency' of objects; user perception and interpretation play a significant role.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is enhanced by its theoretical framework and contextual analysis. Reliability might be a concern due to the qualitative nature of 'conjunctural analysis' and the subjective interpretation of 'agency'.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'agency' of an object be objectively measured, or is it primarily a subjective interpretation of user experience?

Design Principles

"Design environments where the material and spatial elements are understood as active agents that can influence user behaviour and outcomes."

This perspective challenges designers to consider the profound impact of material choices and spatial arrangements not just as passive backdrops, but as active participants in the learning process. Understanding the 'agential nature of matter' allows for the creation of environments that can subtly or overtly guide behaviour, foster specific types of interaction, and enhance educational outcomes.

What This Means for Your Design

The stuff that makes up a room, like the walls, chairs, and tables, actually has a power to change how people learn and teach in that room.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing how the physical form and material properties of your design solution are intended to influence user behaviour or achieve specific functional goals.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the 'agential nature of matter,' suggesting that the physical components of a design, such as materials and spatial configurations, possess an inherent power to influence user behaviour and experience. This perspective is crucial for understanding how the chosen materials and form of the proposed design solution may actively contribute to its intended function and user interaction.

Source

Educational Philosophy and Theory

Innovative learning environments and new materialism: A conjunctural analysis of pedagogic spaces

journal · 2017

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about the agency of objects: how materiality shapes educational spaces?: Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design. Evidence: Educational Philosophy and Theory (2017).
Why does "The Agency of Objects: How Materiality Shapes Educational Spaces" matter for design?: This perspective challenges designers to consider the profound impact of material choices and spatial arrangements not just as passive backdrops, but as active participants in the learning process. Understanding the 'agential nature of matter' allows for the creation of environments that can subtly or overtly guide behaviour, foster specific types of interaction, and enhance educational outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?: Consider the inherent properties and potential 'agency' of materials and spatial configurations as active contributors to the user experience and functional goals of a design.
What were the main findings?: Physical objects and spaces in learning environments have an active role in shaping pedagogy.. Rethinking the anthropocentric view of design reveals the power of material elements to influence learning dynamics.. The design of open-plan spaces is intrinsically linked to principals' understanding of 'space' and its pedagogical implications.
What research method was used?: Conjunctural analysis informed by spatial practice theories and new materialism..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Educational Philosophy and Theory.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing any space intended for interaction or specific activities, consider how the choice of materials, furniture, and layout can actively shape the user's experience and behaviour, rather than just serving as a static container.
What are the limitations?: The analysis is specific to the context of educational facilities in Aotearoa/New Zealand and may not be directly generalizable without adaptation.