User needs by Systematic Elaboration (USE)

A theory-based method for user needs analysis, programming and evaluation

verfasst von: Wim Heijs

Verlag: Springer International Publishing

Enthalten in: Springer Professional "Wirtschaft+Technik" , Springer Professional "Technik" , Springer Professional "Wirtschaft"

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Über dieses Buch

The design of a building can facilitate the process of use and promote the well-being of users if it meets their needs. Knowledge of user needs and processes of use is important for a good design. However, it is not self-evident what user needs really are, how user needs and processes of use can be researched, and how that knowledge can be used in a design. This book introduces an integrated methodology for the analysis of user needs, programming and evaluation that answers these questions. The purpose is to improve the interaction between the users and their environment and to avoid failure costs by facilitating proper design decisions. The theoretical perspective and the conceptual framework originate from environmental psychology, more specifically P-E fit theory. The target group consists of those who are interested in creating environments for people (designers, users, real estate managers; students and scientific staff). Designers are a special audience for whom the book can be a guide to working for and with users. The theoretical perspective and the conceptual framework can also be relevant for scientific research into the interaction between users and buildings.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Frontmatter

Chapter 1. Introduction

Abstract

The design of a building can facilitate the process of use and promote the well-being of its users if it meets their needs. Knowledge of the needs of users and the process of use seems important for a good design. However, it is not self-evident what these user needs really are, how user needs and processes of use can be researched, and how that knowledge can be used to improve a design. This book introduces a theory-based method for the analysis of user needs and processes of use, and for the application of the results in programs for building design and in building management. The first chapter contains an introduction to this topic. It discusses the context and the reasons why it needs (more) attention. After this, the purpose and structure of the book are explained.

Wim Heijs

Chapter 2. Disciplinary and Methodological Background

Abstract

The purpose of USE is to improve the interaction between users and their environment by enabling more appropriate design decisions. This chapter discusses the disciplinary and methodological background of the method and the way the principle of interaction is embedded in it. An important means to reach this goal is the involvement of the users in the process of programming and design. A description is given of various approaches to user involvement.

Wim Heijs

Chapter 3. Perspective and Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The main functions of the method are to carry out user needs analyses, to prepare programs of demands and to perform post occupancy evaluations. Existing methods in the previous chapter serve as the basis to discuss the possible complications and the perspectives of USE regarding the central concepts of user needs, demands and evaluation research. Subsequently, theoretical insights from the disciplinary background are used in defining the corresponding parts of the conceptual framework of USE.

Wim Heijs

Chapter 4. Method

Abstract

While the previous chapter on the perspective and conceptual framework of USE was theoretical in nature, this chapter has a more methodological orientation. It contains step-by-step instructions for conducting user needs analyses, preparing programs of demands and performing post occupancy evaluations, with the underlying reasoning and a number of examples and suggestions to make the procedures more accessible.

Wim Heijs

Chapter 5. Application

Abstract

USE can be employed for various purposes, such as drawing up programs of demands for new designs or renovation projects, doing post-occupancy evaluations, screening preliminary designs for design reviews, describing processes of use in groups and buildings, and benchmarking buildings. In the previous chapter, the methodology of USE was outlined. This chapter illustrates the practical application of the method. In addition, adaptations are discussed that may be required for a good result. On the one hand, the method has certain anchors that provide clarity and reliability, such as the conceptual framework and the protocol, while on the other hand, it should be flexible in order to be able to respond to the circumstances in a project. The examples show the kind of choices that sometimes must be made and options that are available.

Wim Heijs

Chapter 6. Review

Abstract

Now that the method has been described, a comparison can be made with other approaches by reviewing the main differences and advantages. This includes the background, the methods and the type of results. In addition, possible future developments are discussed in terms of improvements of the implementation of USE and an expansion of its functionality.

Wim Heijs

Backmatter

Titel: User needs by Systematic Elaboration (USE)
verfasst von: Wim Heijs
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Electronic ISBN: 978-3-031-02052-0
Print ISBN: 978-3-031-02051-3
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-02052-0