What if the design of a space could help people respond more effectively in an emergency?
That’s the question guiding new interdisciplinary research from USC, where behavioral scientists and engineers are studying how physical environments influence human decision-making under pressure.
Dr. Gale Lucas, Director, Technology Evaluation Lab, ICT and Dr. Volkan Ustun, Director, Human-inspired Adaptative Teaming Systems (HATS), ICT contributed their expertise in human behavior to a collaborative study that tested how elements like layout, lighting, and spatial cues affect how individuals respond during high-stress training scenarios.
The research—featured by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering—offers practical insights for improving training environments, particularly in defense and public safety contexts.
It’s a compelling example of how behavioral science and design thinking can shape safer, smarter responses in uncertain moments.
🔗 Read more: https://viterbischool.usc.edu/news/2025/07/beyond-run-hide-fight-defensive-design-for-safer-campuses/