Persuasive Ways to Change Entrance Use of Buildings

People tend to use the same door every time they enter and exit a building. When certain entrances are widely preferred over others, congestion can occur. This paper describes two interventions to persuade visitors to use another entrance. The first intervention used sensory deprivation (darkness), and the second used guidance paths. The first intervention on sensory deprivation had the expected outcome. This intervention resulted in an avoidance of the darkened door. The second intervention had a result contrary to the expectations; it resulted in an increased preference for the door without guidance paths.