Positive and Normative Theory in Environmental Design

Introduction to Theory in Design

When studying theory in the context of design, it is important to keep in mind that there are four distinct definitions at play. These are positive, model, hypothesis, and normative. Positive theory refers to a conceptual pattern believed to describe or explain a phenomenon. Model theory is a way of interpreting reality that places a structure on that reality — it is essentially a philosophical position. A hypothesis is a theory that involves making a prediction about something that will occur in the future based on a specific action. Normative theory is a value stance, as it states what a result should be.

Positive Theory and Its Role in Design

Positive theory is important because actions are based on perceived patterns of behavior. Some designers are resistant to exploring positive theory and its effects on design because they are reluctant to abandon tried-and-true methods, thereby eliminating the benefits that positive theory can offer.

The functions of positive theory in design are twofold: to make sense of what might otherwise seem meaningless (an economization of knowledge) and to raise consciousness regarding behavior in built environments — building to accommodate these behaviors while keeping in mind that behavior is constantly changing. It is worth noting that positive theory is not entirely value-free. Although being value-free is the goal, the very act of deciding to address specific design issues is itself value-based, since individual designers determine which items are important to them.

Normative Theory Defined

Normative theory can mean different things to different people. Some believe it concerns something that has been agreed upon collectively, while others believe it concerns what should be. The latter definition is preferred here. Importantly, normative theories are grounded in and dependent upon positive theories.

Concepts of Theory in the Design Fields

A basic problem in design theory is that the focus has generally been on the experience people should have, rather than what people actually experience. When a conflict arises between the two, it has historically been assumed that the user did not know how to properly use the environment. This assumption, however, is misplaced — the user should not be blamed when a design fails to meet user needs.

All theories held by individual designers about how the world works are, to some degree, biased, because they are based on individual assumptions. It is therefore important for designers to pay close attention to information that leads to predictable, repeatable results. A major ongoing problem in the relationship between theory and design is the lack of an explicit body of positive knowledge on which designers can reliably draw.