Proxemics

Distance zones sketched by me

You’re probably asking yourself, what is proxemics? “Proxemics is the term used to describe socio-spatial relations and the study of those relations; it has applications in such diverse areas…[like] design, (spatial distances within enclosed public spaces)” (Proxemics in Couple Interactions, 10-11). In other words, it is people’s use and perception of space. Everyone has a personal “bubble”, or a specific distance a person sets between themselves and others. This distance can vary depending on personality, mood, and who the person is who is penetrating your space. This article will explore the four distance zones of proxemics and discover how proxemics relates to design. 

Intimate zone:  

The intimate zone begins from the point of contact to 18 inches out. This zone is for people who you feel comfortable being close to like a significant other or a close friend. Have you ever been in a restaurant where the tables a just a little to close together? I have, and I can tell you that it is very uncomfortable. It’s very hard to have a personal conversation when you feel like other people are on top of you. As designers we need to be cautious of this, especially in a commercial setting like a restaurant. This can also be flipped the other way by having too much space between us. Having too much space between two people in a setting like a bank, would not be good. Having to yell your personal information across a long desk violates privacy. Therefore, it is important for designers to know the end use of the space and who will be using it.    

Intimate zone:
Image taken off my phone

Personal zone:  

The personal zone extends from 18 inches to 4 feet. This zone is primarily for friends, but it does have one exception. People do enter the personal zone when they give a handshake or a pat on the back. An example of the personal zone would be two friends sitting beside each other on a couch watching a movie. These friends are close enough to touch but are not necessarily close enough to be in the intimate zone. 

Social zone:  

The social zone spans from 4 t 12 feet. Depending on the situation this zone can be informal or formal. For example, a business situation would be formal, and a get-together with friends would be considered informal. When you have a conversation with someone they will most likely be in the social zone. Another example is seating arrangements. This is another situation where the designer must be aware of who the end user is. For a living room, seating arranged within the social zone is great. It encourages interaction among people. In a commercial setting like a doctor’s office, this sort of arrangement is not a good idea. People don’t come to the doctor to make friends and socialize. This is why seating arrangements in doctor’s offices are sociofugal, to discourage interaction. 

Public zone:   

The public zone ranges from 12 feet out. In this zone there is very little if any interaction at all. An example of a public zone would be when someone is giving a lecture. The lecturer stands up in front of the crowd and using a normal to semi loud speaking voice. In situations like this the people in the audience range in proximity to the speaker. 

Personal space!

Source: Sluzki, C. (2016). Proxemics in Couple Interactions: Rekindling an Old Optic. Family Process, 55(1), 7-15.