Behavioral Mapping
Document location-based observations of human activity.
Behavioral mapping systematically documents human activity in specific locations through annotated maps, plans, video, or time-lapse photography.
Place-Centered Mapping
Place-centered mapping focuses on observing people in a specific location. Researchers use architectural plans or custom diagrams showing the space layout, features, and items. Behaviors are recorded using pre-coded symbols or descriptive notes, then aggregated to summarize activity patterns. This method is commonly used in retail stores, service centers, parks, and public spaces to analyze traffic patterns and interaction points.
Individual-Centered Mapping
Individual-centered mapping tracks specific individuals over time and location, focusing on their social behaviors and interactions. This method is more intrusive, often requiring participant consent and allowing time for participants to adjust to being observed. It can be supplemented with interviews or retrospective mapping, where individuals indicate their paths and behaviors on a map, revealing their motivations.
Combined
Place-centered and individual-centered mapping can be used together. Techniques include real-time documentation, time-lapse photography, or video. A limitation of behavioral mapping is that motivations behind behaviors often remain unknown, which can be addressed with supplementary interviews or retrospective mapping.
By employing these methods, researchers gain comprehensive insights into human activities and interactions within specific environments, helping improve the design and functionality of spaces.
Step 1
Objectives: Define the specific goals of your study, such as analyzing traffic patterns, social interactions, or specific behaviors in a particular area.
Step 2
Mapping Type and Tools: Select between place-centered or individual-centered mapping based on your objectives and gather necessary tools like architectural plans, diagrams, video cameras, or time-lapse photography equipment.
Step 3
Observation Area: Prepare the observation area by creating or obtaining detailed diagrams, including architectural features, furniture, signage, and other elements that might affect behavior.
Step 4
Conduct Observations: Systematically observe and document behaviors using pre-coded symbols, numbers, or descriptive notes. Ensure participants are aware and consent to being observed if individual-centered mapping is used.
Step 5
Data Aggregation and Analysis: Combine observations from different times and locations to create comprehensive maps, analyzing data to identify patterns, traffic flows, key interaction points, and anomalies.
Step 6
Interpret and Report Findings: Interpret the aggregated data to draw conclusions about observed behaviors. Supplement findings with interviews or retrospective mapping if necessary to understand motivations, and report insights to suggest potential improvements or interventions.
Place-Centered Behavior Mapping
Example 1: Place-centered behavior mapping was conducted in a long term dementia care facility before a renovation took place. Researchers identified how the patients interacted with the space, and which spaces were used often. With these results, designers were able to create a safe environment that worked for the users.
Example 2: Place-ceneterd behavior mapping was used in a coffee shop to identify what activities patrons conducted throughout the day. Did customers sit and read? WOrk on their laptops? Meet with friends? Put their feet up? By knowing the answers to these questions you can design a coffee shop that meets the needs of the people who frequently use the space.
Person-Centered Behavior Mapping
Person-centered behavior mapping was used in a newly renovated office building. The employees were questioned about their behaviors at the 3-,6-, and 12-month mark of occupation. These observations revealed that some physical areas were underutilized and the money spent on the renovation and upgrades did not provide equivalent value for the employees. Doing a behavior mapping study BEFORE a renovation would have helped the organization allocate financial resources more wisely.
