Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University

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Admissions

Interior Design Observation Exercise

Interior Design is a profession based on the ability to observe and understand your surroundings. In lieu of a portfolio review, applicants to the Interior Design program are required to complete an Observation Exercise.

Instructions: Spend a minimum of two (2) hours in a coffee shop or small restaurant and observe human behavior related to the function of the floor plan and furniture style as well as the interior décor of the space. Sit in at least two (2) areas of the space during this time so that you have different observation points.

  1. Write a brief description of services offered: include whether or not the service is cafeteria style or there are waitresses and waiters. Is the menu simple with coffee and pastries or is it more complicated with sandwiches, etc? Are there other services?
  2. Describe the interior of the space and tell us what were your vantage points or location within the space: (1) Include a description of the colors, textures, and materials; (2) Include a description of the focal point(s) and/or what is featured at the seating and standing eye levels; (3) Include a description of the dominant shapes.
  3. Describe how the space functions from both the customer’s and then from the employees’ point of view: (1) How does the traffic flow work? Why or why not? (2) Where do groups or individuals sit in relation to the interior if there are several options open? (3) Where do groups or individuals sit as seats are taken? (4) Where do two people sit if they are seated at a table for four? (5) Other observations about function, design, and human behavior.
  4. Do you think the interior of this space is well designed? Why or why not?

Body of report (maximum 500 words) describing your observations.

At the top of your paper include:

  1. Your name:
  2. Title: Coffee Shop/Restaurant Observation Exercise
  3. Name: Name of coffee shop or restaurant
  4. Location: City and State only
  5. Hours of Observation:

Please complete this writing assignment and submit it to the Kendall Admission’s Office, 17 Fountain St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

If you have any questions along the way, feel free to call our Admissions office at 616.451.2787 or 800.676.ARTS or send us an e-mail. We’re here to help.