Short answer
Design for spaces that accommodate both the functional needs of living and the social/cultural pressures of object accumulation and display.
- Field
- Classic Design
- Source
- Sociology Compass (2017)
- Method
- Literature Review and Sociological Analysis
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Societal norms around consumerism and the historical encouragement of collecting have normalized the acquisition and accumulation of objects, directly impacting how interior spaces are curated and perceived. This classic design research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Sociology Compass. Using Literature review and sociological analysis, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Design for spaces that accommodate both the functional needs of living and the social/cultural pressures of object accumulation and display.
Consumerism and Collecting Drive Object Accumulation, Influencing Interior Spaces
Societal norms around consumerism and the historical encouragement of collecting have normalized the acquisition and accumulation of objects, directly impacting how interior spaces are curated and perceived.
Sociology Compass · 2017
Key Findings
- 01The transformation of shopping into a leisure activity has normalized object acquisition.
- 02Collecting as a hobby has been historically and economically encouraged, leading to accumulation.
- 03Disposal practices are also socially dictated, influencing the retention of objects.
Application
Design takeaway
Design for spaces that accommodate both the functional needs of living and the social/cultural pressures of object accumulation and display.
How to apply
When designing kitchens, consider not just cooking needs but also the display and storage of cookware and decorative items that users may collect. For living rooms, design flexible shelving and display areas that can adapt to evolving collections.
Project actions
- 01Consider the user's relationship with objects when designing furniture or storage.
- 02Research the cultural significance of certain items or collections within your target user group.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a broad sociological perspective on object accumulation.
- +Connects individual behavior to wider cultural and economic contexts.
Limitations
The study is based on sociological analysis and may not capture the full spectrum of individual hoarding behaviors.
Reliability & validity
The study's validity lies in its synthesis of sociological literature. Reliability would depend on the consistency of findings across multiple sociological analyses of these trends.
Think critically
To what extent do designers have a responsibility to design *against* excessive accumulation, or to facilitate it?
Design Principles
"Design should acknowledge and integrate the user's relationship with material possessions and their societal context."
Understanding the societal drivers behind object accumulation is crucial for designers working with residential spaces. It informs how users interact with their environments and the potential for clutter, influencing decisions about storage, display, and the overall functionality and aesthetic of a home.
What This Means for Your Design
People buy and keep more stuff because society tells them to, and this affects how their homes look and work.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use this research to justify design choices related to storage, display, and the overall organization of a living space, linking them to broader societal trends.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Societal norms surrounding consumerism and collecting, as highlighted by Shaeffer (2017), have normalized the acquisition and accumulation of objects. This phenomenon directly influences how individuals curate their living spaces, necessitating design solutions that accommodate not only functional needs but also the social and cultural drivers of object display and storage.
Source
Sociology Compass
The social context of hoarding behavior: Building a foundation for sociological study
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about consumerism and collecting drive object accumulation, influencing interior spaces?
- Design for spaces that accommodate both the functional needs of living and the social/cultural pressures of object accumulation and display. Evidence: Sociology Compass (2017).
- Why does "Consumerism and Collecting Drive Object Accumulation, Influencing Interior Spaces" matter for design?
- Understanding the societal drivers behind object accumulation is crucial for designers working with residential spaces. It informs how users interact with their environments and the potential for clutter, influencing decisions about storage, display, and the overall functionality and aesthetic of a home.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Design for spaces that accommodate both the functional needs of living and the social/cultural pressures of object accumulation and display.
- What were the main findings?
- The transformation of shopping into a leisure activity has normalized object acquisition.. Collecting as a hobby has been historically and economically encouraged, leading to accumulation.. Disposal practices are also socially dictated, influencing the retention of objects.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review and Sociological Analysis.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Sociology Compass.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing kitchens, consider not just cooking needs but also the display and storage of cookware and decorative items that users may collect. For living rooms, design flexible shelving and display areas that can adapt to evolving collections.
- What are the limitations?
- This research focuses on Western societal contexts and may not be universally applicable. It does not delve into individual psychological pathologies but rather societal trends.