Improving User Viewing Experience of Birds and other Wildlife

Improving User Viewing Experience of Birds and other Wildlife

Abstract.

Project Title: Improving user viewing experience of birds and other wildlife.

Client: RSPB. Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Main Contact: Katherine Jones.

Team members: Lauren Cassidy, Iain Fraser, Graeme Reid, Kyle Robertson.

Supervised by: Dr. Hilary Grierson.

In this project the team was tasked with creating a design proposal for the client, creating an interactive and inclusive viewing experience for the Lochwinnoch reserve with the scope of expanding the solution in to other RSPB reserves across the UK. The project started with a very wide scope allowing the team to take the project in a multitude of directions. Through the research and interaction with users and the client, the team significantly defined the project into a workable problem area and have created a proposal which meets the needs of the wide variety of users that will use the space.

The following document outlines the key points in the project, from the initial problem area through research and up to the final concept. The final proposal is detailed in a separate A3 supporting document.

Whilst this document details the process, decisions and client interaction- the A3 document has been stylised and written in the tone of voice and language of the RSPB, as outlined in the brand guidelines. The purpose of this is to give a separate document which can be utilised in marketing and promotion of the proposed solution.

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IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Statement of academic honesty We declare that this submission is entirely our own original work.

We declare that, except where fully referenced direct quotations have been included, no aspect of this submission has been copied from any other source.

We declare that all other works cited in this submission have been appropriately referenced.

We understand that any act of Academic Dishonesty such as plagiarism or collusion may result in the non-award of our degree.

Lauren Cassidy Signed …………………….…………

Iain Fraser Signed …………………….…………

Graeme Reid Signed …………………….…………

Kyle Robertson Signed …………………….…………

02/05/2016 Dated …….…………………

Any photography contained within this submission, except where a source is included, is our own.

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Contents The Problem 6 Initial Client Input 8 Methodology 9 Brand Guidelines 10 6 Textures 11 Photography 12 Language & Tone 13 P.E.S.T.L.E Analysis 14 Current Situation 16 Site Location 19 Site Details 20 Material Analysis 22 User Research 26 User Centred Design 32 Inclusive Design 34 Anthropometric Study 35 Key Requirements 38 Research Conclusions 39 Ideation 40 Yes and... 40 Brainstorming 41 Sketch Exploration 42 Feedback One 44 Eliminating ideas 46 4

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Conceptualisation 46 Concepts 47 Scale Model One 50 Scale Model Two 52 Scale Model Three 54 Feedback Two 56 Combining/Merging 59 Design Principles 60 Architecture Principles 62 Layout Exploration 64 Layout Language 66 Final Concept 70 Final Concept 72 Feedback Three 76 Detailing 78 Locating the Screens 80 Material Selections 82 Cost Considerations 84 Construction 86 Analysis & calculations 92 Simulation 93 Final Solution 94 Project Conclusions 110 References 112 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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The Problem The RSPB is the largest nature conservation charity in the UK with over 100 reserves across the country.

The RSPB reserves attract thousands of visitors, from families with young children to ornithologists and birdwatchers.

Bird watching hides are used consistently throughout reserves by a variety of different visitors in the hope that they will observe and photograph some wildlife in its natural habitat. However, these viewing hides tend to be small, dark and have a rather intimidating and unwelcoming exterior. This drives away potential users, in particular families, non-birdwatchers and new visitors who are hoping to use the hide. In reserves such as, Lochwinnoch and Baron Haugh, the hides have also suffered from vandalism and have even been burned down, to the detriment of visitors leaving them fewer places to rest outdoors whilst they view the wildlife up close. As the birdwatching hides are permanent additions to the reserve, the damages can result in expensive repairs or force overall replacement of the hides. This is a huge expense for reserves with standard hides known to cost up to ÂŁ25,000.

Lochwinnoch became the chosen reserve for this project for a number of reasons. It has lost hides in recent years as a result of vandalism and misuse.

The one remaining hide is a traditional hide with an intimidating approach, dark interior, limited space, and no access for disabled users. The hide is a far walk from the main office at the front of the reserve, which can often put off disabled users, elderly and even families with young children to make the trip. This hide has a very basic interior, with multiple viewing slots (all of them being at the same height) and one bird information poster inside, informing any visitors of what birds can be seen on the lake outside.

Due to the issues the reserve currently has, the client has expressed a need for a hide that solves these problems. They wish for the project solution to be more open and inviting to all visitors, not as expensive as the average bird watching hide and include increased interaction with users such as families with young children, elders and new visitors.

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Current hides are intimidating on approach as well as being dark and claustrophobic on the inside

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Initial Client Input In early meetings with the RSPB the teams understanding of the project was increased. The client also provided the team with a range of restrictions and targets that the solution must meet.

• A site was identified for the experience which gave somewhere for the team to focus their research.

• A target user group was identified as families with young children and first time visitors.

• The purpose of the project was identified as, improving the visitor experience for families with young children and first time visitors.

• A budget of £5000 for materials was provided.

A range of other points were discussed as this meeting including arranging future meetings, discussion of early ideas so that the team could grasp what the client envisaged for the outcome of the project. Dates of potential construction were identified as late summer 2016 to March 2017. During these discussions the identity and branding of the RSPB was mentioned, it was agreed that the project should suit the identity of the RSPB and the team were provided with the RSPB branding pack.

From here the team decided to conduct research on various aspects of the project to increase their understanding before moving forward with the design process.

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Methodology

The team have chosen to follow the ‘Design Thinking Process’ to complete this project. It is a five stage methodology and places the user at the centre of the design process. Placing the user at the core of the design process makes it particularly suitable for the development of an ‘improved user viewing experience of birds and other wildlife’. Each stage of the process will help the team to further understand the user, the problem, possible solutions and how they are interrelated.

The diagram below shows the ‘Design Thinking Process’ and how the scope will diverge and converge during the project.

EMPATHISE

DEFINE

IDEATE

PROTOTYPE

TEST

In each stage of the process a range of tasks will be undertaken to progress the project. In the ‘empathise’ stage the project will be further investigated with the user needs being deeply understood. The definition and direction of the project and outcomes will be established in the ‘define’ stage. Initial ideas and concepts are generated and developed in the ‘ideate’ stage with the concepts being further refined and prototyped in the ‘prototype’ stage. In this project the ‘test’ stage will include detail design of the final design with specific components being tested and a mock up of the final design.

The planning for the project has been based around the ‘design thinking process’. The list of deliverables and deadlines with the associated ‘stage’ highlighted by colour are displayed below.

Meeting

Date & Time

Deliverable

Critical Progress Review

18th February – 12noon

- A4 Research Document - Concepts

Final Concept Selection

16th March – 10am

- Final Concepts - Visualisation

Confirmation of Final Delivery

26th April – 3.30pm

- -

Final Showcase

6th May – 09.15am

- Technical Drawing Pack - Visualisation

Final Solution Model

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Brand Guidelines

It was brought to the groups attention early in the project that the RSPB has spent considerable effort in defining the branding and styling strategy. As a result of this clear identity it was important that the project documentation followed these established guidelines.

Overall Theme

Primary

“Feeling blue and warm at the same time”

‘OUR’ BLUE

The aim of the most recent guidelines is to maximise the colour blue in order to ‘own blue more’.

Blue textures of natural materials convey an extra warmth, utilised in cover pages and posters this brings a unity to all documentation created by the RSPB. Good Photography is a key aspect of the brand, using people and animals ‘doing things’ as opposed to formal or staged photography helps to add a feeling of energy, intrigue and warmth.

This new focus on bringing warmth, is aimed at appealing to an audience of families and children, creating an aesthetic which is both friendly and conversational.This is also conveyed in the tone of voice which is used throughout documentation.

Tools used to engage the reader include personal quotations of moment with nature as well as contractions such as “you’ll” “you’ve” “we’ve” these help to make the document both friendly and more conversational.

It is key to bring this all under the brand tag line ‘Give nature a home’ this simple statement is aimed to be inclusive and inviting bringing people of all backgrounds into nature conservation whether it is in reserves, at school/work or at home.

Secondary SKY BLUE

OCEAN BLUE

SOFT GREY

BLACK

WHITE

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6 Textures

The RSPB use these blue textures throughout their branding, The team have created 6 new textures specific to the materials in this project.

Concrete, Larch, Larch 2, Steel, Gravel, willow.

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Photography Large images make the document engaging, pulling the reader in to content.

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Language & Tone Bringing language that is conversational, pithy and attention grabbing.

Why fit in when You were born To stand out?

What else can we do with nature?

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P.E.S.T.L.E Analysis PESTLE is mnemonic which when expanded forms the headings; Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental. These headings form the basis of the market study.

When considering the launch of a new product it is vital to understand and track the changes to the environment that a company is working in. In the case of this project the RSPB should have an understanding of the UK market and the potential factors that could influence the outcome. A PESTLE analysis gives a bird’s eye view of the whole environment from many different angles that a company should check and keep a track of before developing an idea or project. It so happens that many of the factors to consider are unlikely to influence this type of project but it is still worth using this tool to give an overview of the market.

Political

As a charity it is important that the RSPB consider the political environment and the changes that could affect their sites, operations and business. A highly charged and changing political arena is a consideration for any business or charity wishing to implement a new product. Important political factors that the RSPB should consider:

Economical

These factors are determinants of an economy’s performance that directly impacts the RSPB and have resonating long term effects. For example a rise in the inflation rate of any economy would affect the way the RSPB price their products and services. Adding to that, it would affect the purchasing power of a consumer and change demand/ supply models for that economy.

Important economic factors the 1. Laws that govern land owners. RSPB should consider:

Social

These factors scrutinise the social environment of the market, and gauge determinants like cultural trends and demographics etc. An example for this can be consumer opinions and attitudes where there is a discrepancy between veteran bird watchers and novice bird watchers. Important social factors that the RSPB should consider: 1. Age demographics.

2. Government changes.

1. Income and the associated 2. Culture. taxes.

3. Funding.

3. Advertising scenarios.

2. Local economic situations.

4. Government lobbying.

(Specific reserve locations) 4. Consumer patterns.

(Scotland, England, Wales, 5. Laws affecting charitable Ireland) 5. Major world events. foundations.

3. General taxation.

6. Health.

6. Shareholders and their demands.

4. Interest rates.

7. Consumer opinions attitudes.

7. Conflicts in the political arena.

8. Changes in lifestyle.

and

9. Education.

10. History.

11. Media Views.

12. Laws (social factors.)

13. Working attitude of people.

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Technological

These factors pertain to innovations in technology that may affect the operations of the industry and the market favourably or unfavourably.

This refers to automation, research and development and the amount of technological awareness that a market possesses.

Important technological factors that the RSPB should consider: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Legal

These factors have both external and internal sides. There are certain laws that affect the business environment in a certain country while there are certain policies that companies maintain for themselves. Legal analysis takes into account both of these angles and then charts out the strategies in light of these legislations. For example, consumer laws, safety standards, labour laws etc.

Integration with technology. Important legal factors that the RSPB should consider: New technologies.

1. Consumer protection.

Technology trends.

2. Industry specific regulations.

Consumer preferences.

3. Future legislations.

Information technologies.

4. Regulatory bodies and their Education and technology. processes.

7. Mature Technology.

5. Legal standards.

8. Used technologies.

6. Environmental regulations.

Environmental

These factors include all those that influence or are determined by the surrounding environment.

This aspect of the PESTLE is crucial for certain industries particularly for example tourism, farming, agriculture etc. Factors of a business environmental analysis include but are not limited to climate, weather, geographical location, global changes in climate, environmental offsets etc.

Important environmental factors that the RSPB should consider: 1. Geographical Locations.

2. Environmental issues.

3. Market Value.

4. Ecological considerations.

5. Environmental Regulations.

6. Stakeholder/Investor values.

7. Staff attitudes.

8. Customer values.

9. Market values.

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Current Situation The reserve at Lochwinnoch currently has one hide and one ‘photo hide’. The ‘photo hide’ is located next to the visitor centre and the hide is located along the Aird Meadow Trail around 300 metres from the visitor centre.

Both of these hides are very basic in design constructed from a wooden frame, wooden panel walls and felt covered roofs. Access to the hides are via simple wooden doors and wildlife is viewed via viewing slots. The viewing slots are protected from the weather by wooden shutters that can be closed when the hide is not in use.

A hesitant approach is taken by users when nearing the entrance to the hide. This is due to not wanting to disturb any potential occupants.

As the hides are fully enclosed it is not possible to see if the hides are occupied on approach.

Furnishing inside the photography hide When inside there is no windows therefore there is no natural light entering the hides unless the viewing slots are opened. This make the hide a dull and unpleasant place to be for first time visitors, families with young children and elderly users as there is very few points of interest inside the hides.

Comfort inside the hides were poor with the Aird Meadow hide providing wooden benches while the photography hide was furnished with old office chairs. The viewing slots were all at the same height in the viewing hide, this made it difficult for wheelchair bound users and children to use easily.

The photography hide had no information inside with the Aird Meadow hide only providing an information about the seasonal viewing opportunities via a board attached to the rear wall. This made the hide a boring place to be if there was no wildlife activity.

The best views of the Castle- Semple Loch can be seen from the viewing windows in the visitor centre. The Aird Meadow hide and photography hide did provide good views of the area. The team felt that a hide located near to the visitor centre facing North East up the length of the Castle Semple Loch would give the best views.

Inside the photography hide

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A hesitant approach is taken by users when nearing the entrance to the hide IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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A higher elevation offers a greater vantage point and an unrestricted panoramic view of Castle-Semple loch and it’s surrounding wetlands 18 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Site Location There was a number of suitable locations in Lochwinnoch for an expansion of the user experience. The team identified a number of potential locations during the initial visit to focus on within the reserve. By researching each location in more detail via the use of various tools including OS maps and aerial photographs, access routes and the landscape that would provide a background were all considered. After meeting with the client it was possible to select the final location for the expansion to the user experience.

The location is situated close by the visitor centre, this was seen by the client as beneficial for a wider number of users as first time visitors, elderly, and families with small children tend to stay close by the visitor centre.

The Location also offers a

number of advantages: A higher elevation offers a greater vantage point and an unrestricted panoramic view of Castle-Semple loch and it’s surrounding wetlands; The location’s proximity to the visitor centre and main road minimises the risk of the vandalism and arson and increases accessibility for the users; The location could be further protected by CCTV and could incorporate lighting as it is close by to the current infrastructure.

approximation of the proposed extension to the current path in order for users to easily reach the location that has been identified.

An Aerial view facing in a Infrastructure northern direction is shown Current The location had already been below. identified as being a potential area for development and has The location can currently only be a bench, however it is currently accessed by going through the only used by staff members Reserves waste bin area or by and volunteers due to its lack climbing over a small fence. You of accessibility. Despite this can see from the visitor booklet it has considerable scope for map, the current infrastructure integration into the visitor and places of interest in and experience. around Lochwinnoch Reserve, highlighted in red is an

Location of site

Aerial View N

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Site Details During the teams second visit to Lochwinnoch the team investigated the selected site further. Information about the ground type, dimensions of potential build area, path location and width, the surrounding plant life and the terrain was gathered. This information will aid the team in the deciding how the ‘experience’ can be constructed. Boundaries for the size and complexity of the ‘experience’ will also be affected by these findings.

Site Dimensions

The identified site was trapezium in shape starting at 6m wide and narrowing to 3m with 12m depth. The team identified within this area that a realistic construction area was a 5x7m. This will allow space for an access path and make access to the site during construction simpler.

Ground Type

Field tests were used at the site to determine the type of ground and the condition of the ground.

We found the ground type was clayey sand or silt. The condition of this was loose or soft. These findings impact the type of foundations that can be used and the size of the foundations.

Path Details

The current path at Lochwinnoch varies in width around the reserve. At its widest it is 2.5m and at its narrowest it is 1.5m.

Where the access path to the new experience will join the current path the width is 1.5m.

The location of the proposed new path is shown in the image on the bottom right. This path will allow access from the current Dubbs Trail that is located to the West of the visitor centre.

Surrounding Vegetation

The site is on a elevated area of land. On the edges of this area young willow trees have been planted. Reeds are also prominent here and will help to break up the base of the structure and obscure it. There are some larger trees to the rear of the site that will also help to break up and obscure the hide.

Terrain

As can be seen in the site image below the site is on an elevated area of land. This makes the site higher that the surrounding wetlands and can aid in the drainage of the site.

Site of structure with building outline highlighted.

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Viable Construction Area 7m x 7m (approx)

Path Width 1.5m

Proposed New Path IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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Material Analysis Materials and Construction After a hide has been constructed local wildlife will eventually treat a hide as part of their natural environment but it is still important that the structure should be as unobtrusive as possible. It should be camouflaged and softened by suitable plant life local to the Lochwinnoch area. Permanent hides are intended to last for a number years, this to some extent dictates the materials to be used in the construction. Aesthetics and popular taste must also be taken into consideration.

The initial cost and ongoing maintenance will be an important factor when choosing materials.

Concrete, stone or brick could be used for minimal maintenance, but these may not blend in with the surroundings as treated pine, weatherboards or local brush and trees. Local materials that blend in with the surroundings should be given priority. Treated pine is by far the most popular material used in the construction of bird hides and viewing platforms. Suitable piles and posts used for foundations may be made from pine logs 15cm or larger in diameter. Taller towers require logs with a diameter of 30cm or more.

Load bearing joists for floors should be made from wood sized 15cm X 5cm or upwards. If the floors are to be made of timber, 70-150mm treated pine of at least 25cm thickness should be used. Movement on timber floors will generate noise with will be discernible outside. If possible floors should be made of concrete or stabilised earth in order to reduce noise levels. It is possible to cover the floor with a noise reducing material such as rubber sheeting or tiles.

Wood is easily accessible, easy to construct with and has a warm and aesthetically pleasing nature.

Wood is an abundant material and if harvested correctly and within in the law can provide a very good construction material.

By applying varnishes and other protective finishes wood can be easily cleaned, is water proof and even fire resistant. Modern processes allow us to use wood of varying thickness and strength to create more complex shapes then every before. By laminating and steaming, wood can be bent and formed into specific shapes. It is still widely used in construction

There are 5 sectors that wood, processed in the UK, can fall into: 1. Sawn wood - Softwood sawn timber is used for structural applications along with several other uses such as pallets, fencing and decking.

Hardwood sawn timber is utilised in post and beam structures plus products such as furniture and flooring.

2. Wood based Panels - Small diameter logs and recycled timber are frequently reduced into wood chips and sawdust that are then glued together to form large sheets with very uniform properties.

Three types of panel products are currently made in the UK: particle board, medium density fibre board (MDF) and oriented strand board (OSB).

3. Engineered Wood Products (EWP) Increasingly, both sawn timber and wood based panels are used in the manufacture of large structural elements such as glue laminated timber beams (glulam), cross laminated timber panels and structurally insulated panels (SIPs).

4. Paper and Board - UK grown spruce is ideally suited to the production of some types of paper and cardboard. This is due to a low content of extraneous chemicals which means the pulp needs less bleaching than with some imported timber.

5. Other Wood Products - Turnery, telegraph poles, log buildings, chemical extracts etc are all still produced form UK grown timber. In general larger and better quality logs go for sawn wood.

Laminated glass is used in many glass windows and installations. If it is placed at an angle it can stop reflections which is a major consideration for bird watchers wishing to take photographs. It is also known as safety glass, it holds together when shattered. It stops the glass from breaking up into small and large sharp pieces, instead it cracks like a spiders web. The glass will always remain bonded even when broken. It is used where there is human interaction, from heights where glass could fall and in architectural applications. It can be repaired using special resin and UV light to cure it. It is an outstandingly flexible and scalable material and due to its very high loading capacity is used in a variety of applications. Signage, shelters and general details can be created using

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glass panels and it may even be sculpted for art installations. Etching engraving and colouring are also possible, ensuring that even in the most venerable of locations, a strong vandal resistant solution is also beautifully finished.

Common products that use laminated glass; car wind-shields, high rise buildings, architectural installations, tourist attractions like safari parks etc.

availability of finance affects not only the final size but also the design and construction materials.

The location of the hide is to be situated around 50m form the main visitors centre. The rough dimensions of the site are shown previously.

Concrete is defined as “any material manufactured with an aggregate and cement binder”. It is used widely in public places, it has many uses and when treated and coated correctly, can resist all forms of vandalism for many years. Recently, Ultra High Performance Concrete, (more traditionally used as a building material) is being employed in the manufacture of street furniture. This material enables designers to develop more ambitious organic shapes and stretch the limits of linear profiles to create some spectacular designs that are both pleasing and remarkably robust.

Concrete can be reinforced with various fibres to make it stronger and more durable. The current viewing hide at Lochwinnoch uses 4 concrete bases to holds wooden piles in place. This is for strength and as a form of vandalism prevention as it is resistant to fire.

Aluminium in this application often comes in corrugated form is used extensively for the roofing of sheds and warehouses. Some current viewing hides use this. It is lightweight, durable and will not corrode. It can be expensive dependant on the quantity needed and may not be worth it for ‘one off’ projects.

Natural soil and vegetation can also be used as a construction material. It can be used to camouflage or hide specific aspects of the structure or to provide an naturally aesthetic appeal.

Size and Position The size of the hide is determined by the amount of suitable land available at the determined site.

Its position must be as unobtrusive as possible, so proximity to rising ground, surrounding vegetation or natural features to assist in concealment could have an impact in the size of the structure. The maximum number of people expected to use the hide at any one time will be another factor. The

Design Features of hides It is important that all movement from within the hide is not visible to the birds outside. This can be achieved by ensuring that any openings in the back was of the hide are not opposite the main viewing windows. Partitions can be erected inside the hide so that when the door is open,

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the opening can not be seen from the front of supported when using binoculars. Footrest are a the hide. Reducing silhouettes will stop the birds further consideration. from getting scared.

In order to encourage birds to approach closer The height above the terrain depends on many to the hide nesting-aids such as nest-boxes and factors. If the wildlife to be observed on the floor platforms should be used. The boxes should be it may be necessary to view them form 5-10m up of suitable size for the birds they attract. Nesting in the air. It is unlikely that animals on the floor platforms built in wetlands consist of dead will look up. When viewing wide expanses of tree trunks interlaced with branches and other wetlands, such is the case at Lochwinnoch, the vegetation. These platforms should be placed observer needs to be elevated to be able to see just above the highest water level. distant objects. On the other hand if the hide is situated on the shore line, a floor of only a meter Inside the hide it is important to provide or so above the water level may provide the best comfortable seating for extended periods of viewing angle or photographic angle. viewing. The height of the seating must be related to the type and height of viewing portals and to Viewing portals are provided in most hides the size of the users. This can be derived through to facilitate the use of binoculars or cameras. the use of anthropometric data. As previously Each slot is usually 15-20cm in height and of mentioned, glass increases the flexibility of indeterminate width, this depends on the design viewing positions. Consideration must be given of the hide. The observer is usually in a seated to the distance the sweating is from the portal position on a bench or stool, the seat height has or window. This can make a difference to the a large bearing on the height of the slot from the viewers comfort. The type of seating used will ground. Accommodation must be made for the depend on the amount of supervision available at many different body dimensions. The only hide the site. For an area with low or no supervision at the Lochwinnoch reserve has hinged shutters sturdy, fixed seating made from planks of wood on its viewing slots. This is to allow only the or similar material can be used. On the other hand, minimum opening required to be used. Chains a large well supervised hide could use stackable or rope could be incorporated to allow for acute plastic seating allowing for informal groups to changes. If glass is used it allows for flexibility of gather around a window. As the location of the viewing positions. It is also important to provide proposed hide is very close to the visitors centre a correct amount of ventilation. it may be possible to use this type of seating.

Some structures have one-way glass installed in them. There is a constant need for glass to be kept clean on both the outside and inside of hides in order for photography or binocular use to be satisfactory. Windows like this are often sloped inwards from top to bottom to reduce reflections and the possibility of detection by the subject.

The glass will reflect the environment around so that birds will see their own reflection rather then the sky. It acts as an extension of the worlds around them. In addition there is less likelihood of birds on water being dazzled by the reflection of the sun when it is low in the sky. Cleaning and maintenance will also be reduced as the glass is protected from the rain. Noise can be reduced in glass windows are used instead of open viewing slots.

The RSPB already uses information boards extensively throughout their sites. It will be important to consider information displays in the construction of a new hide. Blackboards, noticeboards or paper lists can usefully pass on information to the user. Boards should be located at different heights for adults and children and include interesting pictures and interaction.

Disabled observers should be catered for appropriately when designing the new hide. It should have doors which are sized correctly to accept wheelchairs. Wheelchairs should be able to reach the viewing wall without impediment by fixed seating. At least one viewing position in the hide should be fitted with an alcove to accommodate the front wheels of the chair.

Elbow-rests or shelves should be considered in the design. These are very desirable features for bird watchers as they support binoculars with shake. A normal shelf should extend 30cm back from the viewing wall of the hide and should be capable of supporting guides, camera lenses and notebooks while keeping the users arms

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After a hide has been constructed local wildlife will eventually treat a hide as part of their natural environment IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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User Research During the visit Lochwinnoch nature reserve the team focused on collecting user specific research. This was to gain an understanding of the users thoughts and feelings while they used the various viewing structures. The team gained information in 3 different ways: Observe - Firstly time was spent observing the users participating in the various activities the RSPB had organised and using the bird viewing structures. The team spent time in the visitors centre where there where many activities and points of interest. One of the most interesting observations was how the children were interacting with the objects on display. They seemed very interested in everything and would spend short periods of time viewing each object, around 20-30 seconds, before moving onto the next. The children were very tactile in their approach, they wanted to touch everything.

One of the key issues the client stated at the beginning of the project was that viewing hides were daunting to families and first time users.

Our initial observation of the hide a Lochwinnoch reinforced this. The entrance was completely blank with an small door in the middle. There were no windows or indicators to let you know if the hide was occupied. Even before entering users have are faced with a nervous opening

of a door. The inside of the hide was dark and cramped but very dry. Once the viewing panels had been opened it seemed less unfriendly. This same nervousness was seen in some users who came to use the hide.

Engage - As well as observing the team spent some time engaging with the user through informal chats and questions.The team discovered that some users felt that the viewing hide was too far to walk to with young children, especially if it was a cold or wet day. They highlighted that something closer with appropriate shelter would be a great addition to the reserve. When asked about how engaging the hides were for children the response was poor. Users felt that the hides were lacking in activities and information for children. However they felt that the visitors centre and the surrounding activities; pond dipping, nest building and the natural play area, were great interactions for them. As the team had observed parents liked how the children could touch bird feathers and build things. The viewing screen was a popular item amongst users. They said that because it was open and had range of viewing portals for adults and children it was family friendly. They highlighted that because you could have a number of people viewing at the same time it was more inclusive.

Den Building Activity at Lochwinnoch

26 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Viewings screens are open, inviting and inclusive compared to the traditional hide IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

27

Investigating current users The focus was on UK residents however respondents also came from elsewhere UK Non-UK

17%

Several problems with current viewing structures/hides were identified by the client. With some of the problems having a direct effect on the user experience, it was seen as important to quickly find out if the client view of problems meets that of the user.

This survey was helpful in clarifying design opportunities through problem areas as well as gaining a better understanding the end the user.

83%

This survey gave the team a useful starting off point in the first hand user experience that is necessary for the success of the project.

Age spans across a large number of groups. However the older groups are the largest.

1% 21%

16%

<18 19-25 26-30

14%

31-40 41-50

24%

11% 13%

51-60 >60

Ornithologist 10% Bird watcher.

50% Professional photographer.

5% Amateur photographer.

52% Family with children.

34%

The number of visits different users made to reserves also varied

Disabled.

13% Student.

2-5

29%

6-10 33% 11% 8% 10%

10%

Once

10%

Retired.

26% Couple.

11-20 21-40 40+

39% Nature enthusiast.

83% RSPB member.

50%

The survey managed to reach 89 different users from a mixture of backgrounds and demographic groups. This is a broad reaching survey and in order to better understand individual user needs more focused surveys could take place. Although the survey was focused towards those living in the UK it also reached some respondents outside of it, this was useful as users were able to comment different nature reserves that they had visited and allowed the team to investigate these. The large variance in age and number of visits could be down to the differences in user groups. As mentioned before, in order to better understand specific groups a less general survey could be used.

28 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Have you encountered vandalism of hides & shelters?

Do you feel safe using hides & shelters?

17%

28%

17% 28%

55%

55%

Do you feel that hides/shelters are inclusive of disabled users?

Do you feel hides/shelters suitable for multiple users?

19%

61%

39%

51%

20%

11%

Do you think that conventional wooden hides are outdated?

24%

Do you feel that Hides/shelters are engaging to children?

19%

28% 46%

35% 49%

Yes

No

Sometimes

All of the problems that were identified by the client have shown to be somewhat important to the user however some are clearly more relevant than others. Almost all users feel that personal safety when using the hide is not a problem so this will be a low priority for innovation when the team in concept generation. However a large proportion of users feel that Hides are not always friendly for disabled users and even more stark is how few users have felt that hides/shelters that they have used are actively engaging for children. These specific problems have been identified for future concept focus. Although Vandalism came up less than anticipated, this was a key factor in the design laid out by the client and will take a prominent focus in the design and development of the solution.

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

29

43% of visitors to cultural attractions last year say they are more likely to visit when there are special exhibitions/displays on.

Event-driven culture.

30 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Focusing on family.

Today, public places such as; zoo’s, museums and wildlife reserves/visiting centres are finding more importance in the entertainment of families of children. Informative entertainment and activities have been used in public places for years to help provide kids with knowledge about history, animals, nature reserves and many other things. Activities will help get the family and kids actively involved and ultimately this will give a more enjoying experience and motivate the families and children to come back.

This has become one of the main criteria for the team moving forward in the project & because of this other cultural and visitor attractions were investigated in order to get a better understanding of what is available and attractive to young children and families.

The team made multiple visits to local attractions and looked into what different activities are available for children.

Tactile Activities

Tactile activities involve children and families interacting with the animals, these tend to be smaller animals, such as; mice, reptiles, small birds, rabbits, and so on. This is an entertaining and fun method to teach children more about animals up close and how they function in the wild. This activity is currently applied in Edinburgh Zoo, Blair Drummond Safari Park, and many others it is recommended to children ages 5 – 12 years of age. However this is not seen by the team as wholly relevant for this project.

wildlife they hear without having to see it. This may not be ideal in this project with wildlife as they could be intimidated by noise. Headset tours tend to be kept for indoor museum usage so they are not damaged by weather or dropped by children. The headset tours are currently used in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Galleries, Peoples Palace and Riverside museum.

Close Up Activities

These activities are usually reserved for smaller wildlife, mostly bugs and insects, and is very similar to the tactile activities. Children are given the freedom to wander and explore to find whatever they can. If a child does find something then they are provided with a clear plastic dish that they can put the insect into for a short period of time, or they are provided with a magnifying glass to view small creatures. This allows the child to get up close and observe wildlife in an easier way. However, one downfall of this activity is that some children will be fearful of the animal or insect and may not want to participate. This activity is used by Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Galleries. (Glasgow Museums: School Program, 2015)

Role-play Activities

This method of entertainment really gets the children actively involved and excited about discovering new things through role-playing through activities.

These types of activities are currently in use at Blair Drummond Safari Park, Kelvin Grove Art Galleries, Glasgow’s Peoples Palace, and many other public places.

(Glasgow Museums: School Program, 2015)

Sound Experience

The sound experience usually consists of a switch or button placed next to some information about the specific animal they are viewing. If the child wishes to press it, this will play audio such as bird calls or audio info about what they are viewing.

Children can be taught to identify what form of

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31

User Centred Design User centred design sets up the user as the focal point of the design process. It is therefore ideally suited to developing a solution for this project.

The central premise of user centred design is that the best products and services result from understanding the needs of the people who will use them. (Design Council, 2016) User centred design is a process and as such should be used in the project from start to finish. It is important to gain research first hand speaking to potential users to better understand their needs. The user should take a central role in all aspects, utilising users for proof of concept and evaluation of ideas. With multiple users this can process and thinking can help to ensure that the solution will not only fit the client expectation but also meet the user expectation.

6 Keys to ensure a design is user centred. (Iso. org, 2016)

• • • • • •

DEFINITION

Define Requirements.

OUTCOME EXPLORATION

User Feedback DEVELOPMENT

Client Feedback

then gaining user feedback alongside client input to develop the project finalising by screening the solution by users before completion.

The design is based upon an explicit understanding of users, tasks and environments.

Users are involved throughout design and development.

The design is driven and refined by usercentred evaluation.

The process is iterative.

The design addresses the whole user experience.

The design team includes multidisciplinary skills and perspectives.

Up until this point in the project some research activities undertaken have had a focus on the user, as such it has been decided that user centred design should take a main role in the rest of the project.

This project team are all parts of the same course and as such we are not multidisciplinary, however we have a wide range of skills and have split the tasks accordingly.

The diagram above shows key moments in interaction with the user group throughout the project.

Starting off with defining the user requirements

32 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Success can be measured not by the number or complexity of functions and features, rather its ability enable users to accomplish their goals. In placing the goal at the centre of the design it is important to understand the goals from the userâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective.

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

33

Inclusive Design Inclusive design focuses on the consideration of user diversity and can also be referred to as ‘Design for all’ and ‘Universal Design’. Capabilities, languages, culture, gender and age are all aspects that should be analysed when designing a product or structure. By keeping Inclusive Design in mind, throughout all the stages in the design process, it ensures that the end product will be accessible and flexible to meet the needs and demands of all types of users.

For the project, multiple types of users will have to be considered for the Lochwinnoch viewing structure, this included people living with a disability. One of the main disabilities that will be focused upon were users with limited mobility e.g. those in wheelchairs or those who use walking aids.

In order for the final design to meet the needs for these specific users, space for wheel chair manoeuvrability will need to be considered for accessibility, entrance to the structure and movement within.

Age is an aspect of inclusive design that will also taken into account, with reference to height for looking out of the viewing windows. Current hides tend to have one window that continues around the structure at the same height, this makes it difficult for smaller children or taller users to see out of. To address this issue users of all heights will be considered so that the experience is easily accessible to users of all ages and heights.

Through the integration of inclusive design throughout the project, the team will be able to accommodate all issues that different users may face while viewing nature. Disabilities, age and height are the areas which will be focused upon during the development of the solution.

34 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Anthropometric Study

After the initial client meetings it was concluded that the design of a new viewing structure was to be primarily aimed at families with young children, the elderly and customers new to bird watching.

As a result of this the projects target age demographic is large and therefore design considerations must be made for a variety of people.

Anthropometric data will be a key source of information at the detailed design phase. It provides all heights, sizes, lengths and breadths that should be considered when developing a user centred product. The data also gives the natural viewing angles and head heights of users and ideal comfort angles.

Detailed on the following pages in tables 4 -7 is anthropometric data sets for: 2 year olds, 6 years olds, 10 year olds, adults aged 19-65, the elderly (over 65) and wheelchair users. Only the most important data, that relates to a viewing structure, has been included at this point, these are: stature, eye height, shoulder height, elbow height, sitting height, sitting eye height, sitting shoulder height and sitting elbow height. These 9 points are displayed in fig 31 & 32 below and cover the main size considerations for the project. A full set of data for each demographic can be found in appendix 8.

When considering sizes it will be important to design the structure to fit all who use it. For example a door height should be tall enough for a 95th percentile make to pass through. This diagram can be used for standing adults and children. The numbers relate to the data sets for each demographic.

For disabled users, the seating heights should be used as normal. The standard sizes of wheelchairs should be factored into the calculations in order to gain an accurate size.

Fig 31 Standing Anthropometrics

Fig 32 Sitting Anthropometrics

1. Stature 2. Eye Height 3. Shoulder Height 4. Elbow Height 5. Hip Height 6. Sitting Height 7. Sitting Eye Height 8. Sitting Shoulder Height 9. Sitting Elbow 10. Thigh Thickness 11. Buttock to knee length

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

35

When considering the position of information boards, TV screens and other viable objects it will be important to consider viewing angles and heights. Figure 33 shows the preferred viewing conditions. The preferred zone for the location of visual displays extends from the horizontal line of sight downwards to an angle of 30deg and that the optimal line of sight is somewhere in the middle of this zone. Given that some modest degree of neck flection is acceptable this can be extended a further

Fig 33 Viewing Preferences Anthropometric Estimates for British 2 year olds (all dimensions in mm) Boys %ile

Girls %ile

Dimension

5th

50th

95th

SD

5th

50th

95th

SD

1

Stature

2

Eye Height

3

Shoulder Height

4

Elbow Height

5

Hip Height

6

Sitting Height

7

Sitting Eye Height

8

Sitting Shoulder Height

9

Sitting Elbow Height

10

Thigh Thickness

11

Buttock-knee Length

12

Buttock-popliteal Length

13

Knee Height

14

Popliteal Height

850 760 675 495 360 505 410 305 105 65 245 210 235 155

930 840 735 555 420 545 445 340 140 80 275 235 270 205

1010 920 795 615 480 585 480 375 175 95 305 260 305 255

49 49 37 36 37 24 20 22 20 10 19 16 20 29

825 725 630 480 365 485 370 275 105 60 250 185 230 170

890 805 695 530 415 520 410 310 130 75 280 245 260 205

955 885 760 580 465 555 450 345 155 90 310 305 290 240

40* 48 38 30 30 21 24 20 15 10 17 36 17 20

Anthropometric Estimates for British 6 year olds (all dimensions in mm) Boys %ile

Girls %ile

Dimension

5th

50th

95th

SD

5th

50th

95th

SD

1

Stature

2

Eye Height

3

Shoulder Height

4

Elbow Height

5

Hip Height

6

Sitting Height

7

Sitting Eye Height

8

Sitting Shoulder Height

9

Sitting Elbow Height

10

Thigh Thickness

11

Buttock-knee Length

12

Buttock-popliteal Length

13

Knee Height

14

Popliteal Height

1070 950 845 635 520 585 475 340 130 75 330 270 320 260

1170 1050 920 705 595 640 525 390 170 95 370 305 360 295

1270 1150 995 775 670 695 575 440 210 115 410 340 400 330

60 60 45 44 45 32 31 29 25 13 25 21 25 22

1070 935 825 625 420 585 470 335 125 75 330 275 320 265

1160 1045 910 695 475 635 525 380 160 95 370 310 355 290

1250 1155 995 765 530 685 580 425 195 115 410 345 390 315

56 67 52 43 32 31 32 28 21 11 25 20 21 16

36 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Anthropometric Estimates for British 10 year olds (all dimensions in mm) Boys %ile

Girls %ile

Dimension

5th

50th

95th

SD

5th

50th

95th

SD

1

Stature

2

Eye Height

3

Shoulder Height

4

Elbow Height

5

Hip Height

6

Sitting Height

7

Sitting Eye Height

8

Sitting Shoulder Height

9

Sitting Elbow Height

10

Thigh Thickness

11

Buttock-knee Length

12

Buttock-popliteal Length

13

Knee Height

14

Popliteal Height

1290 1180 1025 770 660 670 550 410 160 100 415 340 395 330

1390 1275 1120 860 735 725 600 455 195 120 460 380 440 360

1490 1370 1215 950 810 780 650 500 230 140 505 420 485 390

61 58 57 55 46 32 29 28 21 13 27 25 26 19

1270 1150 1015 765 650 665 555 400 150 95 415 350 395 325

1390 1275 1120 860 730 725 615 450 190 120 470 400 440 365

1510 1395 1225 955 810 785 675 500 230 145 525 450 485 405

72 72 65 57 50 36 35 30 25 16 32 29 28 25

Anthropometric Estimates for British Adults aged 19 - 65 years. (all dimensions in mm) Men %ile

Women %ile

Dimension

5th

50th

95th

SD

5th

50th

95th

SD

1

Stature

2

Eye Height

3

Shoulder Height

4

Elbow Height

5

Hip Height

6

Sitting Height

7

Sitting Eye Height

8

Sitting Shoulder Height

9

Sitting Elbow Height

10

Thigh Thickness

11

Buttock-knee Length

12

Buttock-popliteal Length

13

Knee Height

14

Popliteal Height

1625 1515 1315 1005 840 850 735 540 195 135 540 440 490 395

1740 1630 1425 1090 920 910 790 595 245 160 595 495 545 440

1855 1745 1535 1180 1000 965 845 645 295 185 645 550 595 490

70 69 66 52 50 36 35 32 31 15 31 32 32 29

1505 1405 1215 930 740 795 685 505 185 125 520 435 455 355

1610 1505 1310 1005 810 850 740 555 235 155 570 480 500 400

1710 1610 1405 1085 885 910 795 610 280 180 620 530 540 445

62 61 58 46 43 35 33 31 29 17 30 30 27 27

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

37

Key Requirements

Based on the research the team have completed a list of key requirements to translate into specification.

The hide must provide shelter from the elements for users.

• It is important that shelter is provided to the users as the weather can become very cold, windy and wet during the Autumn and Winter months.

Disguise the user from the wildlife they are viewing.

• Users will need to be disguised from the wildlife so the wildlife is not startled when being viewed.

Should be possible to view wildlife at a range of different heights.

• Due to the variety of different users visiting Lochwinnoch, it is important for them to cater towards all ages, heights and sizes. Lochwinnoch currently has a viewing wall with viewing at different heights which allows adults and children to view birds feeding.

Must be accessible to all users.

• The final concept will need to be easily accessible for all users and will need to be able to hold at least one wheelchair inside.

• Making the design accessible to all visitors will include; having enough floor space for the wheel chair to manoeuvre within the hide as they are currently very cramped and the small door space does not allow access to these disabled users.

Occupants must be able to be seen by approaching users.

• Research has indicated that users tend to avoid hides as they don’t want to disturb anyone already within the hide. This is a common issue that could be easily avoided if the final concept allowed the visitors a way to see if the other visitors.

Should provide multiple interactions/experiences for the users (specifically children).

• By observing visitors at Lochwinnoch, it has been highlighted that children have a short attention span when it comes to activities. They spend 20 – 30 seconds on one activity. The final concept should include more than one activity to keep children occupied for a longer period of time in the same area. This will also allow parents to keep track of them.

Should be able to hold a single family.

• The design should provide enough space for one family to view wildlife.

Should be constructed of natural materials.

• These types of materials would be best to use as they are cheap and easy to source. They also blend with the reserves environment, this will undoubtedly provide a better disguise for users observing the wildlife beyond the hide.

The hide should communicate an inviting aesthetic.

• Relating back to being able to see if the hide is occupied by approaching visitors.

• The hide at Lochwinnoch currently has an intimidating exterior that drives away potential users as it doesn’t appear as inviting or interesting. The final concept must have a more welcoming appearance to its exterior in order to attract more users.

The hide must be able to be constructed within the budget outlined by the RSPB. • As the RSPB is funded primarily from volunteers and the public, meaning that the budget for this potential hide has a strict margin.

• The final concept should stick within this budget set by the client in order to ensure this hide could potentially be built at the Lochwinnoch reserve.

38 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Research Conclusions It is evident that the RSPB are a well founded and proactive charity that make real efforts to protect birds and other wildlife. The work conducted at each of their reserves has obvious and positive impacts on nature along with their continuing effort to educate and inform the public.

The initial design brief for the project was relatively open to interpretation, the key point being to design a Wildlife viewing ‘experience’ for the public visiting the RSPB’s nature reserves. After a slow start the team were able to arrange an initial client meeting to fully define the scope of the project. The direction is to improve the user viewing experience of birds and other wildlife through alternative ways and increase interaction with the consumer more specifically, families with young children, the elderly and first time users. The design had to be friendly and welcoming for the user likening it to an ‘extension of the visitors centre’.

The reserve at Lochwinnoch is the reserve of choice for this project it is one of the busiest reserves in Scotland and is in the RSPB’s top 10 family reserves (The RSPB, 2016). Some of the contacts that the team have within the RSPB are based at Lochwinnoch making it an ideal place to start the project. During a visit to the reserve the team were able to document and photograph the proposed location which highlighted the potential scale of the product and gave an insight into the landscape around it.

As part of the team’s current product review a material study was also conducted. This provided information about range of available materials that are used in viewing structures while also offering new materials to explore. Some of the key materials discussed were natural wood and logs, living walls and roofs and cladding and concrete.

To gain an understanding of the target market the team conducted survey with local users at the site, observed how current products were used and explored a range of alternative activities designed for children. Many of the activities and programs that use interactions are transferable and can be adapted for the RSPB. Activities such as tactile sessions, role-play games, sound experiences, close up activities and interactions are used to engage and interest younger children.

On completion of the research the team were able to begin idea and concept generation.

The research was interpreted in different ways through brainstorming, sketching and group discussion which opened up a wide range of ideas. This lead to further exploration of ideas.

Following the client meetings and further defining of the scope the team were able to conduct project specific research, this included: PESTLE analysis, current products and their merits, material review, user centred surveys, RSPB site visits, educational products review, regulations and standards review and an anthropometric data study.

PESTLE analysis was used to track the current environment the RSPB are operating in and the factors that could affect a new project launch.

The key influencers are; Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental.

The most important factors affecting the project are social, technological and environmental.

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39

Ideation With clear requirements for the project defined it was possible to begin generating a selection of ideas and concepts. A range of methods will be used to inspire the inception of potential solutions to the problem.

Yes and...

The team participated in an idea/concept generation exercise with research associate, Dr Gillian Hatcher. Dr Hatcher is conducting research on ‘humour based design methods’. The method that the group were introduced to ‘Yes and...’ this method is adapted from an improvisation technique used by the ‘Upright Citizens Brigade’ of the same name, participants were to suggest an idea and others were to accept this idea and build upon it. This forces ideas to be developed irrespective of how realistic the idea was.

Dr Hatcher mediated the session and recorded the ideas that were generated by the team. Initially the team took some time to adapt to the process but once the team had become relaxed and comfortable ideas began to flow. Many of the stronger ideas were produced from an initially unusual suggestion.

The team enjoyed this process and found it extremely useful to expand the scope of the potential solutions that could be built upon and developed at a later stage.

40 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Brainstorming Building upon the outcomes of the ‘Yes And...’ process brainstorming was utilised by the team to generate more ideas and build upon ideas previously generated. The team rand three five minute sessions and placed restrictions on the area of brainstorming in each session to improve the production of ideas. The restrictions were as follows: • Overall Shape/Form • Interactions • Materials A range of ideas were generated for each restriction. The ideas generated on the shape and form of the concept varied from some expensive and unrealistic forms to extremely simple forms including singular walls or posts.

Interactions generated a large amount of successful and realistic ideas that could easily be incorporated into any solution, these ideas included interactive, tangible flight paths, make and fly your own bird and match the bird, feather nest and egg. The material exploration at this stage was interesting as it allowed the team to be very creative with suggesting alternative uses for materials, many of these consisted of using natural materials combined with simple structures or support systems to provide shelter to users.

The post-its that the ideas had been written on were grouped together and stuck to a wall so that the team could use them for further inspiration when further developing/generating ideas.

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41

Sketch Exploration To create some more complete ideas and concepts the team undertook a sketch exploration session where the outcomes of the brainstorming and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yes And...â&#x20AC;&#x2122; session were utilised. Coloured renders with annotation and detailing were produced from this. These ideas would be presented at the first feedback session with the RSPB that was held within the DMEM department.

Many of the ideas built upon the outcomes from the previous idea generation methods, combining the explored materials, forms and interactions to create concepts that improved the user experience.

Many of the ideas were very extravagant and grand and would not be suitable for the budget of the project. Other ideas were very speculative and the team understood that these ideas were not realistic but would be used with the client to generate conversation, discussion and debate to aid in the generation of new ideas and improve the teams understanding of the problem.

42 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Sketches were created to visually communicate the teams ideas to the client.

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43

Feedback One

Client feedback on the research carried out along with input based on the initial ideation phases.

Who Was There?

The Team.

Hilary Grierson (Project supervisor) Katherine Jones (Main client contact) Gillian Hatcher (Researcher/former RSPB staff) Claire Martin (Lochwinnoch staff member)

What was Shown?

The purpose of this meeting was to present and deliver documentation of the research findings to the client as well as get feedback and input on the very initial phases of ideation in the project.

How was the Feedback?

Using the multi-voting tool dot-sticking it was quickly established which idea the client favoured, focusing on small structures, screening and user interaction. The dot-sticking separated the ideas into categories: Favourites; Interesting; unrealistic/doesn’t fit expectations. Along with the dot sticking the client added notes and comments in areas they had a particular interest or input.

What were the outcomes?

The Team now had a solid understanding of what the client expected in a solution, because of the incredibly wide scope lots of areas had to be explored. With these areas explored the client quickly eliminated a number of ideas: large structures, expensive materials, ideas with very little shelter, ideas which lacked coverage to hide users from wildlife. With this understanding the team can develop more defined concepts in line with the feedback given by the client.

Sticky note Comments On Planting and Growing “Love this idea Weaving willow once it has grown” “Like the idea of visitors helping to create and maintain a screen” “Love the living wall and bug hotel walls” On Periscope “...Periscope very cool” “Can we get a blue tit nest box with a periscope up to it” “Really want a periscope” On Rope Screening “Definitely like the Ropes idea. Can we have this?”

“Love it! Not too complex or expensive but still very interactive for all ages.”

On Structures “We need some kind of roof” “Very out of the budget but maybe something to consider somewhere else” “Maybe a bit too expensive for our budget but I love the concept and style- Periscope very cool.”

44 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

The teams research was presented to the client and initial ideas for solutions were shown to gather client input.

IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

45

Eliminating ideas After the first feedback session with the client the team wanted to eliminate some ideas.

Positive, Minus and Interesting was used to aid the team in the reduction in the number of ideas. The team focused on evaluating features and features within concepts so that strong features could be combined at a later date and features that were unrealistic in any setting were removed. The input and opinions that had been gathered from the client at the initial feedback session heavily influenced the team’s evaluation of the features. Some of the key features that were evaluated were: Positive - Screens with interactions, Modular walls, Natural materials supported by ropes, Minus - Large Glass Windows, Interesting Any ideas that were classified in the ‘Minus’ category were removed from the development process. This allowed the stronger ideas to be developed and evolved into appropriate solutions.

Conceptualisation By utilising, combining and enhancing the features and ideas that were remaining after applying PMI concepts were produced. The team focused on producing complete concepts that improved the user experience.

The team approached this by producing sketches of concepts that combined the previously generated ideas. These concepts were then evaluated by the group via informal multi-voting undertaken on a white board wall. Each of the stronger concepts were then developed by the team, this produced multiple versions of each concept.

These concepts were discussed and evaluated by the team before each concept was finalised.

These concepts can be seen on the following pages.

46 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

Concepts

Concept 1

This concept is similar to a traditional hide, providing the users with protection from the elements and seating, with the following key alterations: • Modular Wall Sections, Rope Wall or Vertical/Horizontal Slots can switched in or out • Increased Interactions • Open on Approach • Living/Willow Wall • Inclusive to more users

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47

Concept 2

Using a combination of posts and modular walls an engaging environment for viewing nature is created. The key features of this concept are as follows: • Modular Wall Sections, any wall can be secured between posts this could vary from bug hotels to rope walls or simple slots.

• Increased and changeable interactions • Extremely open • Multiple experiences • Can be adapted depending on the day or season.

• Extremely cost effective • Easily maintainable

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Concept 3

A striking concept focusing on creating a sculptural aesthetic that could potentially be seen as an attraction at the reserve. Its key features are: • Individual or paired viewing of wildlife • Layout becomes part of the experience • Open at all times • Provides some shelter from the elements • Views purposely obstructed in various manners • Can be modular with each pod being easily moved

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Scale Model One

The defined concepts were further explored through the creation of scale models using simple materials. This model shows the simple structure designed with modular wall panels using dowel to represent the structure frame and grey card illustrating the differing wall panels.

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Similar to traditional hides incorporating improved user experience, increasing user interaction through the use of modular walls and an open and inviting approach.

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Scale Model Two

This simple model using pine dowel, grey card and coloured string illustrates the second concept and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interactive modular nature, different iterations of standardised screen contain new experiences for the user.

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Modular, interactive screens allow users to view nature and wildlife in an open environment with interesting interactions.

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Scale Model Three

Conveying a more striking concept this model focuses on creating multiple individual experiences. Mount board screens which stand out from the landscape

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These structures create a personal viewing experiences for each user.

The layout of the structures is an experience in itself with interactions integrated into each structure.

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Feedback Two

Wide variety of user and client feedback on the 3 chosen concepts at this stage in the project.

Who Was There?

The Team.

Katherine Jones (Main client contact) Zul Bhatia (Lochwinnoch manager) Fiona Weir (RSPB staff/Landscape architect) Various Reserve staff Various RSPB members/volunteers

What was Shown?

This meeting was conducted in order to gain input from varied sources on the chosen concepts, this is was in order to make a decision on a final concept. The team brought 3 models with a variety of features based on the previous meetings.

How was the Feedback?

The feedback varied due to the large number of people and the different needs of those present. Overall the feedback was very positive particularly on the modular screens. This aspect appealed to the users and clients because the space can be adaptable dependent on the users in the space.

What were the outcomes?

It was decided that a combination of concept 1 and 2 would be the most appropriate use of the space, combing a more traditional building for birding with an interactive and involved experience in the removable and interchangeable screens.

Sticky note Comments On concept 1 “The roofed structure creates the best range of opportunities for the most user groups” “Still love the rope screen + willow growing screen” “Opportunity to demonstrate examples of habitat, creation.”

innovative

“Hybrid of 1 & 2 to screen humans off from wildlife” On Concept 2 “Love the flexibility of the screens” “Mixture of 1 & 2 designs removable panels around the building” “Horizontal hole good for binocular and telescope use. Rope not well suited for binocular use” “Love the natural materials in use here” “Interactive, different panels, different textures” On Concept 3 “Love the sensory aspect of all the designs” “Creates a go to destination” “Visually striking, moving between may spook birds” “A bit too much for what we are after”

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Client and users were presented with the with the scale models that the team had produced, this allowed the team to gain feedback and insights from the customer and end user.

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Concepts 1 and 2 would be merged, the team needed to ensure that the strengths of each individual concept were retained.

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Combining/Merging At feedback session two the client expressed their desire to see concepts one and two. They felt that a combination of these concepts satisfied the needs of a range of different user groups.

From the three concepts that the group presented to the client and focus group at Lochwinnoch, two concepts were favoured. Each of the two concepts embodied certain aspects that fitted the requirements of the user and client. From this feedback the team decided that the best way to progress was to combine the key ideas of these concepts to generate a successful final solution.

The team felt that to successfully combine the two concepts modular walls should be added to the structure so that both elements of the concept were interlinked. This also improved the versatility, maintainability and accessibility of the structure.

At this point the team was to explore the various ways that the concepts could be merged. A range of methods and tasks were decided that would be used by the team to develop and combine these concepts in a successful manner and produce a final solution.

Design and architectural principles will be researched and applied when combining the concepts, this will ensure that the solution has a working language between all of the separate elements.

These principles will also help the team to maximise the use of the space for the client.

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Design Principles The outcomes from feedback two with the client gave the team a strong idea of our final concept with idea/concepts one and two being combined to form the final solution. To develop this idea the team researched a range of design principles to introduce a framework or structure to the development of the concept. For this the team decided to utilise ‘Universal Principles of Design’ (Lidwell, 2003) to guide the team to relevant principles.

Accessibility

The principle of accessibility is that objects and environments should be designed to be usable, without alteration, by as many users as possible.

The team will develop the design so that the final solution is usable by people of diverse abilities without any specific adaptations.

There are four characteristics of accessible designs: perceptibility, operability, simplicity and forgiveness (Lidwell, 2003) • Perceptibility, everyone can perceive the design, irrespective of their sensory abilities.

• Operability, everyone can use the design, irrespective of their physical abilities.

• Simplicity, everyone can understand and use the design, irrespective of their experience, literacy or level of focus.

• Forgiveness, the design reduces frequency and magnitude of faults.

the

Affordance

The principle of affordance is where the physical characteristics of an object or environment influence its function. The solution should be designed with affordance that afford its intended function, and negativity afford improper use (Lidwell, 2003).

• Aesthetic, consistency of appearance.

• Functional, consistency of meaning or action.

• Internal, consistency within a system.

• External, consistency within an environment.

Defensible Space

A space or environment that has clear indications and markers of activity and ownership. This could be used to reduce the likelihood of vandalism.

There are three key features of defensible spaces: territoriality, surveillance and symbolic barriers.

• Territoriality, establishing clearly defined spaces of ownership.

• Surveillance, monitoring the environment during normal daily activities.

• Symbolic barriers, objects placed within the environment to create the perception that a space is cared for and worthy of defence.

Fibonacci sequence Golden Ratio

and

A sequence commonly found in nature which has led to people concluding that patterns based on the Fibonacci sequence are intrinsically aesthetic and therefore, worthy of design consideration (Lidwell, 2003). The use of the Fibonacci sequence is often used in conjunction with the Golden Ratio as any number in the Fibonacci sequence divided by an adjacent number provides an approximation of the Golden Ratio. Both of these principles are interesting to consider when developing interesting compositions and geometric patterns especially when they involve rhythms and harmonies among multiple elements.

Consistency

The idea that a system or environment becomes easier to use when similar parts are articulated in similar ways. This is due to people being able to efficiently transfer knowledge to new contexts and learn new things quickly. There are four kinds of consistency: aesthetic, functional, internal and external (Lidwell, 2003).

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Structural forms

The organisation of materials to support a load or contain and protect something. There are three ways to organise materials into basic structures: mass structures, frame structures and shell structures.

• Mass Structures, materials put together to form a solid structure.

• Frame Structures, struts joined to form a framework.

• Shell Structures, a thin material that wraps around to contain a volume.

Symmetry

The element of visual equivalence amongst elements in a form often associated with beauty and is often found in nature. It is an element that can be considered in design to add some structure to the design. There are three basic types of symmetry: reflection, rotation and translation. Reflection is the mirroring of an equivalent element around a mirror line, rotation is the rotation of elements around a common centre and translation is the relocation of elements in different areas of space.

Way Finding

How spatial and environmental information is used to navigate to a destination. This involves four stages: orientation, route decision, route monitoring and destination recognition.

Orientation is where the user determines their location relative to nearby objects and the destination, route decision is the choice of route made to get to the destination, route monitoring is monitoring the chosen route to confirm that it is the correct path to the destination and destination recognition is where the final destination is recognised.

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Architecture Principles As the concept has become more of a structure than just a use of space, it is important to consider basic architectural principles Throughout the project the team has been given help and guidance from the project supervisor Dr Hilary Grierson. Her expertise in architecture has helped us to implement the principles of form and bring a cohesive language leading to the development of the final product. The input has been valuable when creating the layout and incorporating uniformity throughout the design.

The team have been communicating with Hilary through weekly meetings to discuss progress and direction. During these meetings we have been able to update her on ideas and gain input on design decisions and direction. We discussed some of the basic architectural principals that could be incorporated into the project, these have been further discussed in the following pages.

6 key principles of architecture have been considered for the development of the concept.

Unity Bringing a unity to the design is about giving all the elements a sense of one whole, creating a unity between differing elements or with the earth and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surroundings. In these designs the unity could be through the use of materials or bringing in green walls and growing plants to bring the unity with the surrounding environment.

Emphasis Bringing emphasis to certain aspects through the creation of a unifying theme in the elements or mimicking some other structure or environment which would be out of place in the situation. This could be in the emphasis on natural materials and green building/construction.

Rhythm Through the repetitive use of visual themes the designer can create a sense of following for the eye, using the same element in a pattern or similar elements in multiple positions these groups can create a visual theme. With the modular screens and standardised sizing a rhythm can be created in the form and layout of the solution.

Balance Bringing visual symmetry and equality to the elements can bring about balance to the space whether it is through from the plan view, elevation or end elevation.

Pattern Through the repetition of a single element in the design a language can be created. Pattern languages also encompass practical solutions and blocks which can be re-used to solve the same problems in multiple instances. Utilising patterns in the modularity of the screening can create a language pattern which connects all the elements in the space Contrast Contrast is also a useful tool in architecture, using a mixture of: solids and voids; light and dark areas; mixing textures. This contrast could be in the finishing of the walls, rope screening, well finished woods,hazel and willow screening all in one design create elements which are the same but contrast.

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Unity

Pattern

Contrast

Emphasis

Rhythm

Balance IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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Layout Exploration To bring the screen and hide concept together in a more structured and regimented order the team explored a range of layouts of the site. The aim of this task was to identify suitable locations for screens on the site, the location of the building on the site, the outer form of the building and the overall dimensions of both the screens and the building.

To do this the team overlaid a range of grids and sequences on the outline of the site. These were used as guidelines to bring a structure/design language to the design of the entire site.

Over 50 ideas, formations and layouts were generated from this method.

These ideas were evaluated using a large dot sticking amongst the team. Comments and feedback from this led to certain ideas being adapted and improved upon before further evaluation.

After repeated evaluation and development the team were able to agree upon a layout that suited all usersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs, increasing interaction, being easily accessible, being inviting and bringing the structure into the landscape.

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Layouts were explored utilising a range of principles as guides. After multiple repetitions of development and evaluation, the final layout and form was established.

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Layout Language When we bring the two ideas together it is important to bring in a fluid and cohesive language which brings a unity to the space. After exploring the form of the structure, a simple shape which allows the ease of construction but still maximises the wall space for interactions, was decided upon.

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The structure offsets a grid, creating the system for the modular walls to be placed into the space. The repetition in layout helps to create a unity in the form with the open void of the modular walls and the solid structure creating contrast.

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In order to bring the structure into the landscape, 3 posts of increasingly lower height extend from the building in line with the most solid wall of the structure bring the structure a sense of unity into the landscape and the repeated elements creating a rhythm on the approach to the structure.

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This all comes together to create a loop bringing in the users who can enter the structure through the rear entrance before exiting through the side into the modular wall area This loop is key in the inclusive design of the space, making it easy for wheelchair and buggy access, not having to turn inside the space to exit.

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Final Concept

The building is open and inviting, with the interior visible from the approach.

The design is inclusive, with wide opening in two areas of the structure meaning wheelchair and buggy do not need to turn back on themselves within the building

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Following on from the merging of ideas, layout exploration and development of form, a final building shape was decided upon with screening which follows the same angles and language.

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Final Concept

Having decided on a final form, this was modelled to scale in order to explore detailing and features.

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Various modular screens that can be attached to posts and/ or the window space make the solution suitable for a range of user groups .

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An open layout invites users in. The use of the space is maximised with the openness of the building merging with the layouts of the screens.

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Feedback Three

Bringing the final concept to client & local group, formalising details and finishing selections.

Who Was There?

The Team.

Katherine Jones (Main client contact) Margaret Brown (Local group former leader) Fiona Weir (RSPB staff/Landscape architect) Gerry McAuley (Scotland area reserve manager)

What was Shown?

The final concept was shown to the client and representative for the local group before moving on to discussion about the details of the build.

How was the Feedback?

After positive feedback from the local group representative the team have gathered input from all key stakeholders in the project. The feedback was positive with no major changes to the design, simply suggestions for further development post construction.

What were the outcomes?

With the design finalised the details had to be clarified, some materials and fixtures already established, more development would be required to fully define the build.

Comments Sponsored screens Possibility of schools,local council and groups to sponsor screens. Similar to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Brick fundraisingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; where people can donate money to build a screen and have their name or name of their group on it.

Roof material The most appropriate in terms of cost would be fibreglass painted ply or chipboard. This gives the best weather proofing and price point.

Plant types Climbing plants such as willow and hazel.

Shrubs such as Guelder-rose, Wild privet, Wild rose, spindle or Juniper. These plant choices would be at the discretion of the Reserve staff having the knowledge of the site soil and sun in order to make the appropriate decision.

Proposal plans Application towards the Central Scotland Green network for further funding to be completed and will be filed at the end of May. Local group funding There is also potential for local group funding however this would need to be decided by the group as a whole and could not be confirmed solely by the representative.

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The scale model of the teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; final concept was presented to the client and a key member of the local RSPB group for verification.

Detailing of the solution was then discussed.

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Detailing With a final concept decided the team began to focus on the details to turn the idea into a reality.

The framing and joists within the structure will be connected and supported by a selection of joist hangers and rafter ties.

This design decision was made to reduce the complexity of woodwork within the construction of the structure. This ensures that the building can be constructed by the volunteers of the RSPB. A selection of hangers and rafter ties are illustrated on the right of this page.

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To ensure that the screens could be easily changed the team chose to use large chunky bolts. This suits the overall rustic aesthetic of the solution and allows staff members to easily remove and relocate the screens. The idea of using wing nuts was discussed but the team felt that this would make vandalism and theft easier.

An illustration of this system is shown to the right.

The rope screen was a key feature for the team to successfully detail.

A range of methods were explored with drilling holes in the frame to a mesh system discussed. After much experimentation the team decided upon an array of eyelet screws attached to the inside of a larch frame. Climbing style nylon rope will then woven between each eyelet to produce the desired pattern.

An illustration of part of this system is displayed on the right.

The periscopes that the client wanted included in the design were detailed.

A suggested construction of the periscopes from wood, mirrors and simple clamps is shown on the right.

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Locating the Screens The modular screens are a key element of the design, they can be used throughout the environment. This page details the various locations, arrangements and orientations that the screens can be applied.

There are a variety of standardised and interchangeable screens. This allows the solution to be extremely versatile and modular, providing users with a range of interactions. As the screens are a standard size they can be constructed from a range of materials and forms, this can range from bug hotels to bird silhouettes or even further. The page on the right displays 3 of the standard screens the team have suggested, vertical slots, horizontal slots and the interactive rope wall. A range of suggested orientations and arrangements are also shown.

The screens can be used in a range of locations. The image below demonstrates how there are two possible locations on the structure to attach screens to and four locations offset from the structure.

The screens that can be attached to the structure can be used to adapt the structure to various user groups.

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1 x rope

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Material Selections The materials and components have been chosen primarily to fit the budget of this project. Some materials are readily available from the client and others have been sourced from known contacts out with the RSPB, this has reduced the cost in some areas. Selected materials are outlined here Larch Timber Untreated Scottish Larch posts are the primary feature of the design. Their use in the main structure and as fixing points for the viewing screens is not only a statement of strength but they also highlight the use of locally sourced material. Larch is long-lasting and will ensure a resilient and enduring structure which is grounded in nature and fits well into the landscape as the wood weathers to a silver grey. The timber has been acquired from the RSPBâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wood of Cree in Dumfries and Galloway where the trees are due to be felled, this is an effective use of the clients resources. The logs will be treated and cut at a local saw mill all for the cost of transport and processing. The layout of the upright posts subtly mimics a forest landscape and when the larch becomes weathered it will give the design a very natural aesthetic. The frames and wall panels for the hide and screens will also be made from larch. The wood will be cut to size at the saw mill which will then be assembled by the volunteers at Lochwinnoch. Using the larch throughout the design will keep it uniform and natural as well as keeping costs down. Each of the timber panels will be nailed or screwed to pre-built frames.

Post Shoe The shoe raises the larch posts off the ground which prevents damage to the wooden features from water and wildlife. This feature will increase the lifespan of the viewing structure and reduce the amount of maintenance required. The the shoes will be made from steel and finished with hot dip galvanising to EN ISO 1461. This will protect the metal from oxidising and increase its life span. An engineer has already designed and approved the shoes for manufacture, and so the client only has to submit the technical drawing and the quantity to be made. The technical detail for this part can be seen in accompanying A3 folio.

Plywood Roof The main body of the roof is made from structural grade sheet plywood (minimum thickness 18mm). This can be sourced from any building or timber supplier for a relatively cheap price.

The ply must be waterproofed using fibreglass paint. This will seal the wood and protect it from rotting. It will also seal the inside of the hide and the users from the weather.

Rope Walls The frame of the rope wall, as previously mentioned, will be made from larch panels to keep a uniform aesthetic throughout the design.

Old and used climbing rope will be used as the main feature of the screen as it will provide good cover and elasticity. This type of rope will also have good weather resistance and strength reducing the maintenance and replacement.

Again, because its is re-used it should be easy to acquire at a small cost. The fixed rings that the rope is looped through are sourced from B&Q. They are made from galvanised steel for protection and are pre-threaded. Pilot holes will have to be drilled into the framework in order to fit these.

Fixtures and Fittings All of the fixtures and components used in the design are readily available at any of the previously mentioned building suppliers. The design includes nails, bolts, nuts and screws along with steel brackets. These are used to fix the majority of the structure together.

Concrete Concrete will be used to at each of the post shoes to secure them to the ground. A hole will be dug and then filled with concreted which will be smoothed and levelled. Once dry, holes will be drilled in order to bolt the post shoes in place.

This method of fixing eliminates the need for a large solid base, it is a more feasible method for the client.

Aggregate The aggregate used for paths around the site is supplied by Sport Scotland and is already on site.

It is a mixture of various grades of pebbles, rocks and sand which will combine to form a solid base and smooth surface for access to the site.

Construction will be undertaken by volunteers at Lochwinnoch with the help of a hired digger and driver.

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Cost Considerations Costing for this project has been an influencing factor throughout the design process. The RSPB is a charitable body using almost all of its funds for conservation purposes. The team has been aware of this since the beginning of the project and realise that the budget will be at the lower end of the scale. With this in mind we have tried, where possible, to keep material and construction costs to a minimum. Almost all of the components on the final design can be sourced from local DIY stores.

As this is a bespoke product there is no need to order components in large quantities.

During an early meeting with the RSPB the team was informed that a budget £5000 had been secured for the project at Lochwinnoch. We have kept this in mind during the design process but have not let it limit our ideas and scope especially during the early stages of idea generation. During development of the final design and in the final client meeting the team has focussed on making best use of this budget and also discussed other sources of funding. Current funding is as follows; • £5000 budget supplied by the RSPB • £5000 Grant Application - A further £5000 has been applied for through CSGN (Central Scotland Green Network). The CSGN are providing grants to projects that will help restore and transform landscapes into useful green environments.

• Local Group Funding - In the final client meeting the team held discussions with the head of the local group at Lochwinnoch. We were able to pitch our ideas and gain some backing. It is hopeful that more funds will come from here.

Our highest costs will come from the material purchase and part manufacture and so it has been important to look into sourcing as much of the material at the lowest possible cost. We have been able to reduce costs across the 4 major influencers: 1. The aggregate used for the paths leading to and running through the site is provided by Sport Scotland and is already back stocked on site. The only costs here will involve the hire of specialist equipment like a digger, the majority of construction will be undertaken by volunteers.

2. Secondly are the steel shoe posts that hold the upright posts off the ground. This design has already been submitted and approved by an engineer which now means they only need to be manufactured. The client has estimated that each shoe will cost around £80, we will require 19.

3. All of the wood used in the structure and timber posts is to be made from untreated Scottish Larch. The timber will come from wood sourced from the RSPB’s Wood of Cree reserve in Dumfries and Galloway. This is an effective use resources as the trees must come down. Total costs for the wood will include transport and cutting at the saw mill. To further save costs, each post will be held in place using concrete, this eliminates the need for a large structural base. The client estimates these costs to be around £1700.

4. Fixtures and fittings used to build and support the final product have been considered in different ways. Initially the team wanted to bind the wooden supports using traditional methods such as mortise and tenon, mitre joints, dowels and dovetail joints. However, it was decided at the final client meeting that the skill level amongst the volunteers was not up to this level of construction and that the costs to hire professional joiner were high, therefore we have decided to use steel brackets and braces to fix the cross beams to the posts. This method is considerably cheaper and the parts are easy to acquire as well as being easy to construct.

Shortly before the final meeting the client put together an estimated costing sheet based on previous projects. The team has analysed this and made appropriate changes. These are detailed in the table below.

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Item

Cost

Hire of digger and driver (3 days)

£1000

Post Shoes (x15)

£1200

Rental of specialist equipment (e.g. cement mixer)

£4000

Tools Allowance

£250

Aggregate for path (and timber for hand rails)

£1082

Sawn larch timber for building

£1500

Transport of larch timber

£200

Roofing Materials

£400

Miscellaneous (bolts, rope etc)

£300

Design and delivery of signage and interpretation

£1200

In-kind costs of staff and volunteers (see table below) Total

£4925

Funders: Aggregate for the paths will be provided by Sport Scotland (£1082)

-£1082

£16557

Other Considerations: Economy of Scale for post shoes

Total:

£15475

In-Kind Costs Number of Days

Cost per Day Total

Student Designers

30

£50

£1500

Supervising Architect

2

£350

£700

Engineer

0.5

£350

£175

RSPB Scotland Staff

8

£150

£500

Lochwinnoch Volunteers (skilled)

4

£150

£600

Lochwinnoch Volunteers (un-skilled)

15

£50

£750

Total:

£4925

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Construction Construction of the design has been made as simple and cost effective as possible so that the RSPB can utilise its volunteers to build it. This section details how each of the components are fixed and constructed at a level that is easy to interpret. Standard nuts and bolts have been selected for each fixing.

1. Cement will be poured into each of the pre-dug holes and left to set.

2. 4 holes will be drilled for the post shoe which is then bolted into place.

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3. The upright larch posts will be slotted onto each of the post shoes in their designated positions. Four nuts an bolts will secure each post. This provides a framework which can be built upon.

4.1. Any frames and walls to be used will be placed in the correct positions and again bolted into place.

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5. The joists of the main structure are fixed in place using pre-fabricated brackets.

8 screws are required per bracket.

6. The joist must be flush with the larch post.

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7. The Overall layout of the posts and the frame of the structure is shown below. The exact dimensions of these can be found in the drawing pack which is included supporting A3 document.

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Checklist

Based on traditional hide design requirements the team has created a checklist in order to make sure that the solution is in fitting with itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original and intended purpose.

Features

Material

Choices/comment

Frame

Timber (Larch)

150mm squared post.

75mmx150mm Roof joists.

Walls

Timber (Larch)

32mm thickness larch timbers.

Frame board constructions

Seating

To be decided post construction at the discretion of reserve staff.

Removable benches, which can be stored securely at night.

Foot rests

N/A

No footrests unless part of selected seating.

Elbow rests

To be decided post construction at the discretion of reserve staff

Removable places

Flooring

Gravel/Type 1 path aggregate

Inventory purchased and already on site from previous projects.

Viewing slots

Open (fixtures for screening)

Large panoramic viewing windows, fixtures for removable screening.

Entrance

Open

Large opening allowing clear view of inside the structure from the approach.

Access

Gravel/Type 1 path aggregate

Paths in accordance with regulations for inclusive access

Partitions/screens

Timber (Larch)

Partitions designed to be standardised and interchangeable.

Ventilation

Open

Structure is very open allowing ample ventilation

Education/information

To be decided post construction at the discretion of reserve staff.

Space for printed information boards in line with current branding.

Noise minimisation

Natural plants and foliage.

Plants encouraged to grow in certain spaces help to block both visibility and noise of the users

Glass

No

Too costly for this project however there is scope for integration into the changeable walls.

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The future of wetlands depends largely on community attitudes and actions, so that the value of viewing structures for education and research will become increasingly important.

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Analysis & calculations The roof has not been designed for taking large loads, it has no accessibility for people to get on top of the roof and the roof has no further structure supporting being supported by it. It is still however important to consider potential loads which the roof could encounter.

The most notable potential load which the roof will encounter is a snow load in winter. As such the Potential snow load was calculated and using the CAD model the team have simulated the potential effect this load could have on the roof and the supporting beams.

This structure is a small building as defined by clause 4.3.2 of BS6399-3:1988 and using this information and standard a snow load value for the project site was calculated. The site is located at LAT 55.407’.21” Long 4.37’.83 putting it in zone 3 for UK snow estimates. Using the calculation set out in BSS6399 - Sk(0,15+[0,1z+])+((A-100)/525)) - the ground load for Lochwinnoch is defined as 0.37KN/m2. With this load defined there are a number of other factors which influence this load: • The site is full exposure.

•

The terrain is open.

• The thermal factor is 1.2 (unheated structure).

• With an importance factor of 1 (standard).

• Hip roof type.

• Width is 2m.

• Roof slope is 15deg.

• Roof surface is ‘slippery’.

All of this accounts for a UDL of 0.28KN/m2 based on the tables and calculations in Structural elements for architects and builders.Ochshorn, J. (2010).

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Simulation Solidworks was used to simulate the calculated snowload. The outcomes of this are shown below.

It was found that the designed roof would survive the entire snowload. The team feel that to ensure safety and stability of the structure cross members should be included in the final frame design.

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Final Solution

A final solution has been developed that improves user experience by increasing user interactions, improving the accessibility of nature viewing shelters and providing a range of modifications to allow the solution to meet the needs of various user groups.

The solution focuses on creating new and novel ways of viewing wildlife the design brings the structure into the landscape and as a result brings users closer to nature. There is a fluid and cohesive design language throughout the space bringing all elements together. This solution makes use of a modular system which has been designed to adapt to the user as well as the seasons and purpose of the space, as the reserve staff see fit.

By making the elements standardised and interchangeable we wanted the solution to be as modular as possible, exploring traditional horizontal slots which will be familiar with birders, vertical trellis for willow growth creating new habitat and our novel interactive rope screening bringing the user close to the structure and nature.

The structure offsets a grid, creating the system for the modular walls to be placed into the space.

The repetition in layout helps to create a unity in the form, with the open void of the modular walls and the solid structure creating contrast.

In order to bring the structure into the landscape, three posts of increasingly lower height extend from the building in line with the most solid wall of the structure this brings the structure a sense of unity into the landscape and the repeated elements creating a rhythm on the approach to the structure.

This all comes together to create a loop bringing in the users who can enter the structure through the rear entrance before exiting through the side into the modular wall area This loop is key in the inclusive design of the space, making it easy for wheelchair and buggy access, not having to turn inside the space to exit.

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Scale Model 20:1 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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Scale Model 20:1 96 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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Scale Model 20:1 98 IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE

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Scale Model 20:1 101

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Final Solution Render: KeyShot 5

Final Solution Render: KeyShot 5

Final Solution Renderings: KeyShot 5

Final Solution Renderings: KeyShot 5

Project Conclusions The aim of this project was to create and develop a new way of viewing wildlife which encouraged families, children and new users to engage with nature in more active and innovative ways.

While current hides provide an enclosed and protected space for birdwatchers to view wildlife they are also dated and can be small, dark and intimidating for the general public. The team has been working to produce a product that brings a wider audience of users closer to nature through increased interaction and openness.

Our final product is an open yet inclusive design that addresses many of the issues highlighted by the client and the user. Its modularity allows for interesting and varied interpretations which can be changed depending on the season, user group or wildlife to be viewed. The range of available viewing spots aims to give the user more then one way to view wildlife, enhancing their experiences and learning. The team have tried to create a place that draws the user into their surroundings using natural plant growth and materials to screen the area. The viewing structure is closed off enough to provide good shelter and cover for extended periods of time while remaining partially open as a welcoming and enjoyable place to be.

Throughout the project the user has been the focal point of the design process. For the product to be successful it was important to understand the needs of the people who would use it. In the design brief the client identified several problems with current viewing structures and screens that affected the users, the team felt it was important to make sure the clients view on the problem met the needs of the customer.

The team conducted research on site, through surveys, interviews and observations in order to understand the problem in more detail. This led to the interpretation and development of 10 key requirements which were then translated into a specification.

With the key requirements established the team began generating a selection of ideas and concepts. A range of methods were used to inspire the inception of potential solutions. One of the most useful sessions the team participated in was the ‘Yes And…’ method conducted by Dr Gillian Hatcher. This idea generation method allowed us to expand the scope of the project and quickly produce a number of ideas. Using this as a base the team ran three, five minute

brainstorming sessions that covered overall shape and form, interactions and materials.

This process increased the number of potential solutions and routes that could be taken.

Following this the team undertook a sketch exploration session using the outcomes of the brainstorming and ‘Yes And…’ sessions.

These sketches were to be more detailed with coloured renders and annotations so they could be presented at the first client feedback session.

The first of three client feedback meetings was held at the University and included all team members, the project supervisor and the client.

The purpose of this meeting was to present and deliver our research findings directly to the client as well as gain feedback and input into the initial ideation phase. Using the multi-voting tool, dotsticking, it was quickly established which ideas the client favoured most and what they thought were realistic outcomes, these included; smaller structures, screening and increased interactions and user experience. This session gave the team a very sound understanding of the clients expectations and allowed us to further define the project scope.

Following the meeting the team began eliminating ideas using the positive, minus and interesting approach which quickly highlighted the suitable solutions. The team used combining and enhancing to conceptualise the best ideas which were then developed into 3 final concepts.

Each of these concepts was developed further through detailed sketching and rendering. The team then prepared a mock-up of each design that could be taken to the next client meeting.

The second client meeting took place at RSPB Lochwinnoch and involved the team, client and a number of volunteers and reserve staff. The team presented the three developed models in order to gain feedback so that a decision could be made on a final concept. Overall the feedback was very positive particularly on the modular screens. This feature appealed to the users and the client because of its adaptability to the landscape and use of space. It was decided that a combination of concept 1 and 2 would be the most appropriate for the specified site, combing a more traditional structure for birding with the interchangeable screens which provided a more interactive and involving user experience.

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Feedback meeting 2 identified the major elements that were to be included in the design.

The final development of the concept was structured around specific design principals and architectural techniques that gave the design impact, presence and form. Throughout the development of the final concept the team utilised these design principals to explore a range accessible and structural forms while using the Fibonacci sequence and Golden Ratios to develop an aesthetic layout. As the concept developed to become more structurally based the team considered 6 architectural principals that brought uniformity to the design, these were: Unity, Pattern, Contrast, Emphasis, Rhythm and Balance. Through layout exploration the team were able to bring the final concepts together in a structured way assigning a ‘layout language’ that could be interpreted by the user.

This involved following specific shapes and lines which were used to bring the user into the environment.

experience the full delights of nature, while also offering more enthusiastic birders a secluded place from which to enjoy and view their surroundings. The team hope that the design encourages more people to get outdoors and that the RSPB will be able to use the site as a meeting points for nature walks and activities at their Lochwinnoch reserve.

The final meeting was held at the RSPB’s head office in Glasgow and gave the team an opportunity to present the final solution to the client and local group. Feedback was positive and prompted no further design changes simply suggestions for further development post construction. During this meeting the team began formalising details and finishing selections ready for more detailed design.

To complete the design the team began detailing the exact fixtures, fittings and materials that would be included. The team discussed how each of the sections would fit together which prompted small design changes. Materials were defined and sources discussed. The majority of material is to be larch timber sourced from the RSPB’s Wood of Cree reserve in Dumfries and Galloway where the forest is due to be cut down. This re-use of resources will benefit the overall project. The client has provided an initial cost considerations sheet that the team have reviewed and updated in relation to the final design. It is estimated that the total cost of the project will around £15000.

The teams initial task was to create and interactive and inclusive viewing experience for the RSPB’s Lochwinnoch reserve. By focussing on customer needs the team have developed a solution that not only fulfils the requirements of a traditional viewing hide but explores new and novel ways for users to experience nature. Our open, friendly and accessible design makes it the perfect spot for families and new users to

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Project Team: Lauren Cassidy Iain Fraser Graeme Reid Kyle Robertson 116IMPROVING USER VIEWING EXPERIENCE OF BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE