Envirohacking: Where Interior Design Meets Human Potential
Using neuroscience and psychology to create spaces that feel as good as they look.
At COOOP, we don’t just design interiors — we engineer environments that elevate human experience. Envirohacking is a method based in neuroarchiteccture and built on science, environmental psychology, and decades of hands-on experimentation. Through precise, science-informed interventions, we help interior designers unlock environments that drive behaviour, increase engagement, and optimise well-being.
“If we approached design with the mindset of a hacker — making small adjustments to improve how people experience space — we could transform everything.” — Callie van der Merwe
What Is Envirohacking?
Envirohacking is a methodology that uses research-backed principles from neuroscience and psychology to design environments that influence how people behave, feel, and interact. It’s not about replacing interior design — it’s about elevating it.
At its core, it asks: How can we shape spaces not just to be seen, but to be felt?
“We now know exactly how architecture, acoustics, shape, smell, colour, and light can shift our emotional state. We can design for joy, calm, creativity — almost robotically.” — Callie
This isn’t intuition. It’s evidence-backed, measurable, and repeatable.
The Spark That Started It All
Envirohacking was born from an unexpected moment: a dinner party between architect Callie van der Merwe and a group of biohackers. As the conversation shifted toward optimising the human body with biology and technology, Callie had a sudden insight:
“What if we did that with the built environment? What if design could be hacked to improve behaviour, comfort, even business results — with just a few small, strategic adjustments?” — Callie
That idea sparked a design revolution.
Envirohacking: The Foundation of the Method
Before "envirohacking," the COOOP team referred to this methodology as “design for behaviour’ — a term that reflects the intent to actively shape environments using scientific principles.
“Envirohacking is just our term for taking all the available neuroaesthetic knowledge and putting it at the centre of the design process — so we can create spaces that move people in the most positive ways possible.” — Callie
It’s a mindset: treat the built environment like a system that can be upgraded for better human outcomes.
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CASE STUDIES
The Coffee Club Redesign — Fast Casual, Reimagined
The Coffee Club — one of Australia’s largest café franchises — needed to re-engage younger audiences while keeping their loyal base.
Envirohacking in Action:
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Visual positioning: 1980s-inspired colours triggered familiarity in boomers and retro cool in Gen Z.
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Furniture: Chair weight was calibrated to suggest ~35-minute stays — a sweet spot for casual dining. The bucket shape was chosen for its comfort with older clientele to assist in getting in and out of the chair,
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Customisation kits: Franchisees could select from curated palettes, art, and lighting — creating alignment and ownership.
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Lighting temperature: Shifted from 3500K to 2700K to match the warmth of sunset — our most social time.
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Emotional triggers: Rounded edges, nostalgic design, and art layered for trust and comfort. Science suggests that round shapes and edges has a calming effect and triggers people to behave more sociably
“It looked like heaven’s departure lounge… until we started hacking the feel of the space.” — Callie
Outcome:
Over 34 stores showed double-digit sustained growth. Younger demographics returned. Franchisees embraced the model. 80+ more sites followed.
Safari Restaurant, Sydney — Dining in the Elements
Safari, a fine dining restaurant positioned under a Sydney skyscraper, had 80% of its seating outdoors. Wind tunnels, city noise, and rain made the space nearly uninhabitable.
Envirohacking in Action:
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4.3m high pods: Sculptural outdoor seating units around the outer edge shields the space from wind and rain and created acoustically sheltered, intimate spaces.
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Faux acacia trees: Reduced perceived ceiling height and triggered biophilic calm.
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Bench heating: Diners controlled their own warmth, building comfort, agency and a sense of belonging.
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Audio layering: Subwoofers in seats and soft birdsong at the entrance shaped mood.
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Lighting: 2700K ambient glow reduced inhibition and increased sociability.
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Scent: An open kitchen delivered grilled meat aromas — boosting appetite through olfactory design.
“This is the most successful restaurant I’ve done in 35 years.” — Callie
Outcome:
Safari doubled its expected turnover and now has a three-month waiting list.
Why Interior Designers Love Envirohacking
Enhances Your Vision
Improves Client Outcomes
It’s not a style — it’s a performance layer that underpins any aesthetic.
Designs that boost comfort, focus, and interaction deliver measurable ROI.
Simple, Scalable Interventions
You don’t always need to rebuild. Often solutions are fast, affordable, and non-invasive.
Adds Depth to Your Process
Works Across All Sectors
Futureproofs Your Design Practice
Go beyond “what looks good” — and show clients “what works best.”
Hospitality, retail, education, aged care — anywhere people occupy space.
As behavioural design becomes the standard, envirohacking puts you ahead of the curve.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is envirohacking?
A methodology that uses science to design interiors that influence mood, behaviour, and human connection — not just appearance.
Is this replacing interior design?
Not at all. It enhances what interior designers already do by bringing intention, data, and human impact to the forefront.
What’s the difference between Envirohacking and Design for Behaviour?
Design for Behaviour is the foundational idea. Envirohacking is our umbrella terminology for applying it (often at speed) in commercial and creative projects.
Can I apply envirohacking without renovating everything?
Yes. Many interventions (lighting, layout, scent, acoustics, colour) can be implemented quickly and affordably.
What kinds of spaces benefit from this?
Restaurants, cafés, retail spaces, studios, offices, hospitals, work place. Anywhere human emotion and behaviour matter.
Interior Designer–Focused FAQS
Can this be applied to residential projects too?
Yes. Although the system was developed in commercial spaces, the behavioural insights easily translate to home comfort and wellness and above all as tailor made triggers towards personal development requirements, ideals and dreams. Science seems to support the idea that our environments have the biggest impact on our success (whatever our definition of this may be)
Does this add more time to a typical design process?
Surprisingly, no. Once you understand the principles, they naturally integrate into your existing workflow.
What’s one mistake designers often make that envirohacking corrects?
Designing for look rather than feel. A stunning space that increases stress or shortens visits may be working against you.
“Form follows Feeling” – Callie
Want to Design Spaces That Actually Work?
Want to Design Spaces That Actually Work?
Whether you’re designing a café, clinic, studio, or learning space — you already influence how people feel. Envirohacking simply helps you do it deliberately.
💡 Use science, not guesswork
🎯 Deliver deeper value to your clients
📈 Get measurable results that go beyond aesthetics
Visit https://www.envirohacking.com or https://www.cooop.co/post/what-is-envirohacking to explore how this methodology may integrate into your next design project.