International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 06 | Jun 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN & PSYCHOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE Ar. Tabish Ahmed Abdullah1, Ar. Deepti Sagar2 1Senior Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University,
Lucknow, India. 2Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow,
India. ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract- Human-centred design is often conflated with
of individuals and communities. To achieve this, the occupants and end users of infrastructure need to be considered throughout the entire building lifecycle, from planning and design through to construction and operation. Human-centred design is a solution-based framework that puts real people at the centre of each of the design phases of a product’s development and considers the human perspective at every stage.
user-centred design – another philosophy focused on ensuring a product or service’s end users are the focus of a design approach. Designing learning spaces based on the insights from neuroscience research for architecture can have a significant positive impact on students’ academic performance, emotional well-being, and physical health. What would spaces look like if architects designed buildings based on the emotions, healing and happiness of the user? Hospitals that help with patient recovery, schools that encourage creativity, work environments that make you more focused. Awareness surrounding the built environment’s impact on occupants’ well-being has increased after the pandemic. As a result, a substantial increase in the demand for a design that prioritizes humans, such as Biophilic Design, has been observed. Biophilic Design can enhance the quality of interior workspaces, where employees can work, collaborate, socialize, and restore. Architecture and interior design should move beyond simply meeting functional user needs and instead adopt a human-centered approach that prioritizes people's emotions, well-being, healing, happiness, and cognitive performance. Incorporating insights from neuroscience and approaches such as Biophilic Design can create environments that improve learning outcomes, health, recovery, creativity, focus, and overall quality of life. The growing awareness of the built environment's impact on well-being especially after the pandemic has increased demand for such human-centered design strategies.
The idea for HCD is often traced back to a Stanford University design study in 1958, when Professor John E. Arnold first suggested that engineering design should be human-centred. Human-centric design tends to reflect humanity as a whole, while user-centred thinking is more concerned with the specific people most likely to utilise a product or service.
How Human-Centered architecture?
Design
works
Human-centered design (HCD) begins with a deceptively simple question: How will real people experience this place, hour by hour, year after year? Henry Dreyfuss’ seminal The Measure of Man and Woman translates that question into data anthropometrics, reach envelopes, ranges of motion and reminds us that the human body is the first dimension of architecture. When it comes to architecture, human-centred design isn’t just a trend – this approach is key to optimizing relationships between people and buildings. Through applying these principles, designers can map out structures and projects that are simultaneously practical, ecological and beneficial for society.
Key Words: Human-centred design, Biophilic, Neuroscience, Architecture, and Environment.
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
Human-Centered Design & Psychology is one of the most relevant and impactful directions in architectural research today. Applying human-centric design principles to our buildings and structures can have a wide range of benefits for both their occupants and the environment.
CHARACTERISTICS ARCHITECTURE
OF
HUMAN-CENTRIC
1. The health and wellbeing of inhabitants The physical and mental wellbeing of residents must be prioritised throughout the design process. This is realised through architectural features like ample natural lighting, good air quality and building comfortable, functional spaces that improve the quality of their daily lives.
From air quality and noise pollution to the functional layout of land, transport and accessibility, the built environment has a significant impact on human health and wellbeing. Because of this, more needs to be done to create residential, industrial and commercial structures that support the needs
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