Proxemics

Have you ever been in a space that made you feel uncomfortably close to others? Or felt like someone invaded your personal space? Or even enjoyed the close embrace of a hug from a loved one? All of these are examples of personal space, which is basically a bubble between ourselves and others. This bubble known as personal space is constantly expanding and contracting as we meet/see different people, move through/enter different spaces, and on overall emotional state of mind. How designers can help with making people feel as in control and comfortable as possible about their amount of personal space is through the use of proxemics!

As a family, we don't mind our personal space being invaded!
Photo taken off my iphone, Disney Land, CA

Proxemics is the use of distancing people through design, discovered by American Anthropologist and linguist, E.T Hall. The use of proxemics can be utilized in many ways from changing ceiling heights to feel larger, orientation and division of seating, and even just providing more open space to allow individuals to navigate the route most comfortable to them. Although everyone has needs when it comes to personal space and territoriality, everyone has a different amount they require to feel comfortable. The Journal of Kunming University of Science and Technology (2004) states that there is even cultural diversity in the various needs for personal space due to different cultures styles of upbringing. 

Edward Hall began a study on humans within the built environment ultimately known to be his famous study of proxemics. His findings ultimately revealed the four different "zones" of personal space that would apply to a wide majority of individuals. These zones were known as the intimate, personal, social, and public space zones.

The first zone, the intimate zone, would be similar in the amount of space needed to whisper, hug, or even cuddle with your significant other. The intimate zone is often reserved for close relationships consisting of love or hate. The second zone, known as the personal space zone, is often known as your bubble. This bubble is commonly utilized when you are with people you are comfortable with, like your friends and family. I remember in high school, my friends and I would huddle in a circle to chat during lunch, all within this personal space zone. The third zone, known as the social zone, is often the most comfortable distance to have conversation/contact with strangers or colleagues. The last zone is known as the public zone. This public zone is often known as the zone where individuals have the most amount of space, due to the large distance between others and yourself in this zone. The public zone often reminds me of an airport early in the mornings. There is often very few people flying out and everyone has lots of space to walk freely through the halls with lots of space.

Online photo retrieved from reddit.com

Overall, proxemics is a great and easy way to identify the level of personal contact that you are most comfortable with and use

Source: Cultural Diversity of Interpersonal Spaces