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Designology: How to Find Your PlaceType and Align Your Life With Design
"Such a great book. I never realized how we use the space we live in to express ourselves as much as I learned after reading this book." — Ask Away Blog #1 New Release in Design and Decorating Create spaces at home and work that align with your personality and support your goals with this comprehensive science-based guide to interior design Discover a new design paradigm. Are you an adventurer or a visionary? A maveric or a maven? Designology makes design personal through author Dr. Sally Augustin’s 8 personality “Placetypes” that characterize the different ways we can relate to the space around us. Personalize your space. What color should you paint your child’s bedroom? How do shapes and patterns influence how you think in a space? How do room dimensions influence you psychologically? Designology answers all these questions and more with practical how-to advice and real-world examples sure to help make your house a happier place. Move forward with your design projects. Bust through the design paralysis that affects so many by applying verified science-based insights. Designology helps you regain control of your design-related efforts with suggestions customized to your personality and space-related needs. Find out what really matters. Designology teaches you how smells, textures, and other factors in your home influence your happiness. It shows you how your personality and ideal design styles are really related. If you have read interior design books such as The Interior Design Handbook , My Creative Space , or Styled , you will love Sally Augustin’s Designology .
236 pages, Paperback
Published February 28, 2019
59 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 26, 2019
A good primer for thinking about design elements and how they best support personality types. The author is clear throughout that individuals aren't necessarily easily categorized and to ignore a "best practice" if it doesn't work for you. I definitely have takeaways as far as colors, visual clutter, etc based on my personality and how that corresponds to my PlaceType, which seemed scarily accurate (though I am also strongly drawn to some of the color palette from an opposite PlaceType).
Some problems I had with the book:
-Pictures were scarce for a design book, and a bunch were just the same set from different angles.
-Instead of describing something or including a picture, the author often told the reader to Google it.
-Pictures often didn't match the described PlaceType, like having shiny surfaces when matte was recommended, or square tables when round were recommended.
-The "recommended readings" note at the back of the book is just a link to an 83-page PDF of citations on the author's website, uselessly organized alphabetically instead of corresponding to chapters or topics.
-It's unclear which sources were actually used to write this book or how authoritative they are, so like MBTI and other personality tests, take what's useful to you and leave the rest.
Some problems I had with the book:
-Pictures were scarce for a design book, and a bunch were just the same set from different angles.
-Instead of describing something or including a picture, the author often told the reader to Google it.
-Pictures often didn't match the described PlaceType, like having shiny surfaces when matte was recommended, or square tables when round were recommended.
-The "recommended readings" note at the back of the book is just a link to an 83-page PDF of citations on the author's website, uselessly organized alphabetically instead of corresponding to chapters or topics.
-It's unclear which sources were actually used to write this book or how authoritative they are, so like MBTI and other personality tests, take what's useful to you and leave the rest.
January 20, 2020
I found this book very helpful in learning some of the common rules of thumb for setting up the right "feel" for each space. The book did a good job giving you the generalized/common information up front, providing a backdrop for the specialized notes for each of the categories most people fall into.
Early on you take a short quiz to determine your Place Type. Typically with these sorts of quizzes I end up being placed in a category that is mostly correct but still feels like I've been placed in a box and does not capture other important aspects of my personality. I felt that the Place Types defined in the book were generalized and flexible enough to hold a wide spectrum of people who may fall into each type. I personally was a "Sage" and it was very interesting to see that as I started putting rooms together I had already naturally been applying some of the rules Augustin recommended in her book.
The one thing I think could be improved on is how some of the information is presented. Most of it just felt like a knowledge dump, endless bullet-point lists with a lot of text. This was a fine way to consume the info on a read through, but makes it difficult to use this book as a reference for the future. I would have appreciated some tables or charts, something that gave a clear way to find the information you're looking for and compare against other place types.
Early on you take a short quiz to determine your Place Type. Typically with these sorts of quizzes I end up being placed in a category that is mostly correct but still feels like I've been placed in a box and does not capture other important aspects of my personality. I felt that the Place Types defined in the book were generalized and flexible enough to hold a wide spectrum of people who may fall into each type. I personally was a "Sage" and it was very interesting to see that as I started putting rooms together I had already naturally been applying some of the rules Augustin recommended in her book.
The one thing I think could be improved on is how some of the information is presented. Most of it just felt like a knowledge dump, endless bullet-point lists with a lot of text. This was a fine way to consume the info on a read through, but makes it difficult to use this book as a reference for the future. I would have appreciated some tables or charts, something that gave a clear way to find the information you're looking for and compare against other place types.
April 17, 2019
Informative read
I wanted to know about the psychology behind design. Wouldve liked more examples of designs per type. It was an easy, and fun read.
I wanted to know about the psychology behind design. Wouldve liked more examples of designs per type. It was an easy, and fun read.
October 18, 2022
This idea of this book is interesting. The few simple questions to find your PlaceType were simple and surprisingly accurate. The descriptions of the various types were clear. The descriptions about using color, light, shapes, furniture placement and more was informative.
I found that attempt to make the PlaceType descriptions apply to an example person didn't work. They chose a name of a person but did not introduce the person by more than their name - no description of their personality, needs, desires, likes, dislikes. Then they were never mentioned again. I understand why they wanted to make it personable, and this would have been helpful, but they just didn't follow through. The images sometimes did not match the style described. At least one image was mentioned in the text but did not actually appear in the book.
Despite these things, I did enjoy reading this book and took notes to use in my own space.
I found that attempt to make the PlaceType descriptions apply to an example person didn't work. They chose a name of a person but did not introduce the person by more than their name - no description of their personality, needs, desires, likes, dislikes. Then they were never mentioned again. I understand why they wanted to make it personable, and this would have been helpful, but they just didn't follow through. The images sometimes did not match the style described. At least one image was mentioned in the text but did not actually appear in the book.
Despite these things, I did enjoy reading this book and took notes to use in my own space.
April 8, 2023
Dr. Augustin has compiled some really interesting information about environmental psychology that can help readers create spaces that are comfortable and appealing to them, personally, rather than just copying the trends they see on HGTV.
The first section of the book is a bit dry to read, as it consists of an immense amount of information, and seems like bullet points that have attempted to be strung together into a narrative. But the information is interesting if you take it in small bites. Research shows us what colors trigger hunger, what shapes convey power, what scents and sounds put people at ease, etc. All important information, particularly when designing a business.
The second section offers readers a three question personality quiz, which will result in one of eight personality types. Details are then provided for each of the eight types, explaining what designs should be considered based on the elements of our personalities. Like Myers-Briggs or enneagrams, there is validity to this personality-driven approach to design. Extroverted adventure seekers are not likely to feel comfortable living in a space designed for an introverted investigator, for example. One personality type may be better suited to today's open floor-plans, whereas another might be most comfortable in a home with lots of private nooks.
One size does not fit all. Buck the trends, learn from the research into environmental psychology, and create a home or office space that is custom made for you.
Points off for lack of citations. Some footnotes citing specific studies would have been nice.
The first section of the book is a bit dry to read, as it consists of an immense amount of information, and seems like bullet points that have attempted to be strung together into a narrative. But the information is interesting if you take it in small bites. Research shows us what colors trigger hunger, what shapes convey power, what scents and sounds put people at ease, etc. All important information, particularly when designing a business.
The second section offers readers a three question personality quiz, which will result in one of eight personality types. Details are then provided for each of the eight types, explaining what designs should be considered based on the elements of our personalities. Like Myers-Briggs or enneagrams, there is validity to this personality-driven approach to design. Extroverted adventure seekers are not likely to feel comfortable living in a space designed for an introverted investigator, for example. One personality type may be better suited to today's open floor-plans, whereas another might be most comfortable in a home with lots of private nooks.
One size does not fit all. Buck the trends, learn from the research into environmental psychology, and create a home or office space that is custom made for you.
Points off for lack of citations. Some footnotes citing specific studies would have been nice.
November 30, 2024
“Designology” was written by a doctor of environmental psychology, and so I was hopeful to find some useful, research-based ideas about home design.
My first criticism - for a design book, it had very few pictures. I think photos that demonstrated the ideas discussed would have added a lot to this book. For instance, when discussing Visual Complexity, she notes that “moderate visual complexity” is what to aim for, then says that this is a phrase with no meaning to someone who isn’t an environmental psychologist. Instead of a providing few photos, though, she recommends googling Frank Lloyd Wright houses!
The first section of the book is lots of text about what’s good or bad in a space. In the second section, she tries to determine design personalities by creating a matrix based on three traits: outgoing/reserved; planned/easy-going; new things/tried and true. This results in 8 types, for each of which she offers very prescriptive design instructions - down to the shape and colour of the dining room table. This feels ridiculously oversimplified.
There may be some good information in this book, but it is not well presented. Too much text, not enough photos and illustrations. The design personality stuff felt too much like horoscopes.
My first criticism - for a design book, it had very few pictures. I think photos that demonstrated the ideas discussed would have added a lot to this book. For instance, when discussing Visual Complexity, she notes that “moderate visual complexity” is what to aim for, then says that this is a phrase with no meaning to someone who isn’t an environmental psychologist. Instead of a providing few photos, though, she recommends googling Frank Lloyd Wright houses!
The first section of the book is lots of text about what’s good or bad in a space. In the second section, she tries to determine design personalities by creating a matrix based on three traits: outgoing/reserved; planned/easy-going; new things/tried and true. This results in 8 types, for each of which she offers very prescriptive design instructions - down to the shape and colour of the dining room table. This feels ridiculously oversimplified.
There may be some good information in this book, but it is not well presented. Too much text, not enough photos and illustrations. The design personality stuff felt too much like horoscopes.
May 13, 2019
Interesting take on interior design and finding the right kind of space that fits your "Place Type".
A simple quiz narrows down whether you fit into one of 8 "Place Types": Adventurer, Guardian, Maverick, Dynamo, Investigator, Sage, Maestro, and Maven. Then the book breaks down what types of general interior designs for main rooms of the house would work best for you.
Though I came in somewhere between a Maverick and a Dynamo, I found myself agreeing with some of the other segments design ideals - ah, nothing in this world is simply black or white, lol. But it's a nice jumping off place for anyone new to the notion of actually designing your living space with optimal, personalized comfort in mind.
This book would appeal to anyone interested in interior design, but especially those readers who are new to the concepts; as well as anyone interested in a fun and different take on arranging your living space to a more personalized level.
A simple quiz narrows down whether you fit into one of 8 "Place Types": Adventurer, Guardian, Maverick, Dynamo, Investigator, Sage, Maestro, and Maven. Then the book breaks down what types of general interior designs for main rooms of the house would work best for you.
Though I came in somewhere between a Maverick and a Dynamo, I found myself agreeing with some of the other segments design ideals - ah, nothing in this world is simply black or white, lol. But it's a nice jumping off place for anyone new to the notion of actually designing your living space with optimal, personalized comfort in mind.
This book would appeal to anyone interested in interior design, but especially those readers who are new to the concepts; as well as anyone interested in a fun and different take on arranging your living space to a more personalized level.
November 25, 2024
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April 29, 2022
A simple book analyzing the best way to decorate for specific personality types.
It seems like a good idea and based on my own answers it seems quite accurate. However, how households and their furnishings come together is a messy, complicated thing and as personalities evolve where one begins may not be where one wants to end up.
Overall I found the pictures in the book leaned too much towards modern styling and new construction so this book will not suit everyone. My recommendation is borrow it from the library rather than purchasing it.
It seems like a good idea and based on my own answers it seems quite accurate. However, how households and their furnishings come together is a messy, complicated thing and as personalities evolve where one begins may not be where one wants to end up.
Overall I found the pictures in the book leaned too much towards modern styling and new construction so this book will not suit everyone. My recommendation is borrow it from the library rather than purchasing it.
July 11, 2019
The first half of the book consists of lots of random tips loosely categorized that don't add up to much that you didn't already know. The second half is advice based on your "PlaceType," made-up constructs based on three short questions, with all the validity of astrological signs. I only checked this out of the library so I'm not out anything but if you're not fully invested in the author and her insights, I would not recommend purchasing.
April 10, 2024
It spilled out lots of what you should do without explaining why.
Very hard to connect all the dots as there are lots of detailed dos and don’t very little connection on why and what steps people should follow to create a cohesive environment.
It was not the most fun book to read but can be helpful if you are just after some tips and tricks. It does provide a framework/process to think about environments around us and the impacts.
Very hard to connect all the dots as there are lots of detailed dos and don’t very little connection on why and what steps people should follow to create a cohesive environment.
It was not the most fun book to read but can be helpful if you are just after some tips and tricks. It does provide a framework/process to think about environments around us and the impacts.
May 3, 2022
This book has a lot of tips on how to set up your home for your personality. I felt like it was information overload in the beginning. The middle of the book to the end felt like a quiz in a magazine and I had to read it to find out more about my type. It was fun, but I don't think the ideas are very actionable with large families. Maybe some ideas here or there can apply.
March 23, 2020
The few photos were beautiful. First part of book with tips was wonderful. Second half where the reader determines what category they are was frustrating to me. I couldn’t be pigeonholed ... guess I’m a rebel eclectic (not one of the authors choices).
December 26, 2020
This wasn't for me. Most of the book seemed to contain common sense advice like clutter is not good. Because the book was called Designology, I was expecting a little more technical know how on design.
July 5, 2022
This whole book could be a bullet point list and a table of dos and don'ts for each personality type. Also there is no in depth scientific explanation behind human preferences in design I was hoping for.
July 17, 2023
fascinating & helpful - great to remember what you really need, & that you need to get a hell of a lot of it from the space you live in. not organised in the most straightforward way (i would have loved more lists!) so it's mainly useful because of my marginalia. but I'm grateful it exists
March 11, 2019
Great book!
This read proved to be quite useful. It is very well written, well laid out and I learned I lot.
This read proved to be quite useful. It is very well written, well laid out and I learned I lot.
June 26, 2019
Amazing book through and through. The book uses psychology in order for interior design. Lots to learn here.
April 2, 2022
Kind of like horoscopes for interior design. Though in my case, fairly accurate. Also a small sections on age, and other conditions that impact design and comfort.
June 1, 2022
Couldn't finish the book. It makes me laugh how new terms are coined for ideas that have been around for a long time...
July 7, 2024
More interesting than expected.
April 10, 2025
This was okay but didn’t give me what I was hoping to get out of it
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews