The Experience of Being Observed and Interaction Design

The Experience of Being Observed: Human Behavior Changes When We Perceive Someone is Watching.

An experiment based on an environment where a coffee pot in a semi-public area was set up on the “honor system”. The coffee is there for you to take – as long as you leave a donation.

How do people react when you attach an image of eyes on the sign asking for donations? People adhere to the donation more.

An image of flowers was also used – no change in behavior.

Reference
The Loh Down on Science, Aug 23, 2006. A 5 minute, scientific piece by Sandra Tsing Loh, on KPCC (Pasadena, California). www.KPCC.org

Direct link to webpage
http://www.scpr.org/programs/perspectives/lohscience.html

– Daniel Montano

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