Functional Distance

Functional distance refers to the physical and psychological proximity between different elements or components within a given space, environment, or system.

Physical Proximity

In terms of physical proximity, functional distance describes the layout or arrangement of objects, places, or individuals in relation to one another. It focuses on how closely or conveniently they are positioned to facilitate efficient interaction and communication.

Psychological Proximity

Psychological proximity, on the other hand, is concerned with the perceived closeness or relatedness of different elements within a system. It encompasses the ease of mental associations, cognitive processes, and the sense of connection between these elements.

Functional distance can significantly impact the ease of use, efficiency, and effectiveness of various systems and designs. By considering the functional distance, designers, architects, and planners can create more intuitive, user-friendly, and cohesive environments or interfaces.