I think we are all familiar with one TV show or movie where we have see an alleged perpetrator being interrogated by a detective in a dingy, gray room with only a table and two chairs. There is now some science telling us that it is more difficult to tell a tall tale in a stark, sparsely furnished room. So, the room is working in alignment with the goal of the interaction. The sparse environment is well suited to reveal deceptive behavior.

However, it seems that if law enforcement officials are conducting an information-gathering interview, it might be best to “enrich” the space. The witness or suspect might feel more comfortable and, consequently, offer additional information.

I’m wondering how we might use this information in other areas of design. The offices of school counselors who are trying to sort out the facts of an altercation between students? Any other ideas?

Reference: Leanne ten Brinke, Poruz Khambatta, and Dana Carney. “Physically Scare (vs. Enriched) Environments Decrease the Ability to Tell Lies Successfully.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, in press.

Submitted by Katherine