Go Side

Go Side

Go Side is a fundamental design concept in furniture and spatial planning that refers to the lateral or perpendicular approach path to an object, furniture piece, or architectural element. This directional approach pattern is particularly significant in ergonomic design, where it influences the way users interact with and access various elements within a space. The concept emerged from the study of human movement patterns and spatial behavior, becoming increasingly important in the mid-20th century as designers began focusing more intensively on user-centered design principles. In furniture design, go side considerations affect the placement and orientation of items like storage units, seating arrangements, and work surfaces, ensuring optimal accessibility and flow. The principle takes into account the natural human tendency to approach objects from the side, which often requires less physical effort and provides better visual orientation than frontal approaches. This design consideration is particularly crucial in commercial and public spaces where efficient traffic flow and accessibility are paramount. The concept has evolved to encompass various aspects of universal design, ensuring that spaces and furniture pieces are accessible to users with different mobility needs. In contemporary design practice, go side analysis has become an essential tool for space planning and furniture arrangement, often being evaluated during the early stages of design development. The principle's importance is recognized in various design competitions, including the A' Design Award, where spatial planning and furniture design entries often demonstrate thoughtful implementation of go side considerations to enhance user experience and functionality.

spatial planning, ergonomic design, furniture arrangement, accessibility, movement patterns, user experience, traffic flow, universal design, space optimization

— Lucas Reed

CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Go Side.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/define/go-side?E=479744 (Accessed on October 14, 2026)"