Usability Tool-kit Presenation

A Building Evaluation Tool-Kit: “Environments for Aging”

Tahseen Hussain, EDAC Architectural Designer and Research Consultant TAH Construction, LLC

Learning Objectives Usability Studies Healing Environments

Usability Tools

Architectural Design

Gerontology Research

An Introduction to Design and Research Tools to Recognize, Analyze, and Incorporate Theoretical Concepts Addressed in the Literature to Specific Design Requirements of a Project.

Learning Objectives  Section 1: A Building Usability Framework for Healing Design

 Section 2: “Environments for Aging” Applications of Building Usability Framework

 Section 3: Nursing Home Case Study - Behavioral Observation/ Anaysis Tool - Usability Matrix/Questionnaire Development

Section 1: A Building Usability Framework for Healing Design

Usability Concept

The extent to which the products can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals in the specific context of use with the particular environment (ISO, 1998).

IMG SCR www.google.com

Usability

International Organization of Standardization Usability Parameters

The accuracy and completeness with which users Effectiveness Effectiveness achieve specified goals (ISO, 1998).

Efficiency Efficiency

The resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness with which users achieve goals (ISO, 1998).

Freedom from discomfort, and positive attitudes User Satisfaction Satisfaction towards the use of the product (ISO, 1998)

Usability

Effectiveness Effectiveness

Efficiency Efficiency

Building Usability Parameters

Design effectiveness is defined by the design intent, expressed in the details of the design and how it meets its functional requirements.– (design improves health) determined by the amount of spatial “resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness” (ISO, 1998) of certain the programmatic functions.

User Satisfaction Architectural user satisfaction holds three dimensions Satisfaction of comfort: psychological, physical, and social comfort

Ulrich’s Theory of Supportive Design How the Physical Environment can Reduce Stress and Improve Health

Sense of Control

Social Support Access to Privacy Support Coping with Stress and Improve Health Outcomes (Ulrich, 1991, 1997)

Architectural Dimensions that Influence Stress

Stimulation

Coherence

(Evans and McCoy, 1998)

Affordances

Control

Restoration

Stimulation Intensity Variety Complexity Mystery Novelty Noise Light Odor Color Crowding Visual exposure Proximity to circulation Adjacencies

Coherence

Affordances

Legibility Organization Thematic Structure Predictability Landmark Signage Pathway Configuration Distinctiveness Floor plan complexity

Ambiguity Sudden perceptual changes Perceptual cue conflict Feed back

Circulation alignment Exterior vistas

Control

Restoration

Responsiveness Minimal Depth distraction Crowding Stimulus shelter Boundaries Solitude Climatic & light Fascination controls Spatial hierarchy Territoriality Symbolism Flexibility Privacy Interconnectedness Functional distances Focal point Furniture arrangement

Building Design Efficiency Allocated Size Adjacencies Furniture Arrangement Proximity to Circulation Circulation Alignment Pathway Configuration Signage Accessibility Interconnectedness Plan Complexity Prevention of Errors/ Safety

Efficiency is determined by the amount of spatial “resources expended in relation to the accuracy and completeness” (ISO, 1998) of certain the programmatic functions.

• Interior Design Elements that may Influence Stress Table (Evans and McCoy, 1998)

• Problem Seeking An Architectural Programming Primer (Pena & Parshall, 2001) • Usability Criteria for Building Design List Adapted from (Harun & Hamid, 2011)

Building Usability Conceptual Framework

Stimulation

Allocated Dimensions Adjacencies Furniture Arrangement

Coherence Affordances Control

Restoration

Proximity to Circulation Circulation Alignment Plan Complexity Pathway Configuration Accessibility Interconnectedness Prevention of Errors/ Safety Signage

Psychological Comfort

Physical Comfort

Social Comfort

The Usability Matrix

EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

User Satisfaction Unit

Section 2: “Environments for Aging” Applications

Stimulation for the Elderly Light Noise Odor Complexity Variety Mystery Novelty Color Visual exposure Crowding Intensity An environment which engages the users through its and involvement encourages the users to become more familiar with their surroundings (Hammitt, 1979) (Evans and McCoy, 1998)

Complexity, Variety, Mystery

Familiarity

Visual Exposure and Crowding

Over Stimulation

IMG SRC – BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-18737560

Novelty Vs. Familiarity Establishing familiarity while a geriatric adult is “on the move” in various senior living facilities

Establishing familiarity in the same environment as the geriatric adult “ages in place”

Coherence for the Elderly Legibility Organization Thematic Structure Landmark Exterior vistas Distinctiveness Predictability

(Evans and McCoy, 1998)

A new environment also does not necessary have to be unfamiliar to a geriatric adult as long as there are features of the environment are easily comprehensible and easy to use.

Coherence Vs. Legibility

Images courtesy of Blitch and Knevel Architects

Thematic Structure, Landmarks, Exterior Vistas, Distinctiveness & Predictability

Entrance

Enhancing the Familiarity of an Unfamiliarly Environment

An increased sense of navigability and accessibility when supported by a sense of security and hospitality can further enhance the familiarity of an unfamiliar environment (Spaul and Hockey, 2011).

Dealing with the Unfamiliarity of a Familiar Environment

Aging in place: "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level" (Center for Disease Control).

Affordances for the Elderly Ambiguity Sudden perceptual changes Perceptual cue conflict Feed back

(Evans and McCoy, 1998)

Geriatric adults aging in place needs to be in an environment that is able to accommodate prevalent changes in environmental perception and physical abilities.

“Negative Consequences of Aging” • • • • • •

Cataract Macular Degeneration Gate Disturbances Cognitive Impairment Hearing Loss Bladder Incontinence IMG SRC- http://www.lighthouse.org/

IMG SRC- http://www.dana.org (Illustrations by Kathryn Born)

Sudden Perceptual Changes & Gait Issues

IMG SRC- http://www.savewright.org/

• • • •

Wandering back and forth Changes in walking speed Changes in gait patterns Shuffling or taking large strides

IMG SRC- http://articles.centralkynews.com/2010-1020/winchestersun/24936608_1_fall-actual-risk-olderadults

Actual Vs. Perceived Affordances

Perceptual Cue Conflicts

IMG SRC- www.custommade.com

Control/ Choice Crowding Boundaries Climatic & light controls Spatial hierarchy Territoriality Symbolism Flexibility Responsiveness Privacy Depth Functional distances Focal point

(Evans and McCoy, 1998)

Img src: http://ginadamico.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/readi ng_in_library_elderly_care2.jpg

Social regulation and environmental choice are important design features to enhance feelings of security and comfort.

Functional Distances, Territoriality & Crowding

Spatial Hierarchy, Focal Points & Flexibility

IMG SRC- http://www.hallperrinecancercenter.org/

Restoration for the Elderly Minimal distraction Stimulus shelter Solitude Fascination

(Evans and McCoy, 1998)

When safety is controlled though a sense of community, areas of solitude can enhance restoration.

Solitude & Fascination

Section 3: Nursing Home Case Study

Our Lady of Wisdom

Images courtesy of Blitch and Knevel Architects

Typical Neighborhood Plan

Image courtesy of Blitch and Knevel Architects

Usability Observation Tool Objects /Areas

Tasks

Interaction

Spatial Attributes & Noted Behaviors

Circulation Paths with Lounges at the End

Image courtesy of Blitch and Knevel Architects

Variety of Social Areas/ Clusters Near Residential Suite

Entry from Core

Landmarks

Destination Lounges

Distinctiveness and Comfort

Television Lounge

Television Lounge, Central Seating, Corner Seating

Reading Lounge

Residential Suite

Image courtesy of Blitch and Knevel Architects

Access to the Outdoors

Usability Observation Tool Objects /Areas

Tasks

Interaction

Spatial Attributes & Noted Behaviors

Statues

Assist in way findinglandmarks

Residents

Saint Statues are distinct making each predictable /repetitive location unique

Central T.V. Lounge

Television, Socialization

Residents

Central location, columns, “L� shaped boundary

Reading Lounge

Socialization, Reading

Residents

Located in at the ends of hallways as a destination, Bookshelves

Corner Seating

Games, other activities

Residents can enjoy time alone or with a friend

Corner location makes it ideal fro people who want a little more privacy

Central Seating

Games, other activities

Staff watch over/interact with residents

Open area for staff to watch-over and still be involved with patients

Coding Analysis Table Tasks

Effectiveness Ergonomic Details

Efficiency Travel Distances , Access

User Satisfaction Psychological, Physical & Social Comfort

Assist in way findinglandmarks

Statues are distinct Easy/ fast making each circulation predictable /repetitive neighborhood location unique

Establishes a location identity for psychological comfort

Television, Socialization

“L” shaped boundary, columns for spatial differentiation

Central location

Comfortable /variety of seating physical/social comfort

Socialization, Reading, visual exposure to comfort area

Visual exposure in while walking

Located in at the ends of hallways as a destination

Edge location makes it ideal for residents who want privacy – social comfort

The Usability Matrix

Questionnaire Development Using the Usability Matrix EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

“To what degree is the effectiveness of the (effectiveness term in the y axis) in relation to (an efficiency term in the x axis) providing (physical/social/psychological) comfort to the (user type)?”

Fill in the blank example statement

“To what degree do the saint statues (landmarks) assist in navigating (pathway configuration) residents and visitors their or their loved ones residence (psychological/ social comfort) ?”

Usability Matrix as a Tool to Develop Postoccupancy Evaluations EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

“To what degree do the saint statues (landmarks) assist in navigating (pathway configuration) residents and visitors to their or their loved ones residence (psychological/ social comfort) ?�

Jargon appropriate / understandable by building users Residents and visitors feel that the saint statues placed in circulation pathways assist in navigation and identity location.

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Usability Matrix as a Tool to Develop Postoccupancy Evaluations EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

To what degree does the visibility (visual exposure) of the seating lounges at the ends of the hallways provide accessibility (accessibility) to socially comfortable places for rest (social and physical and mental comfort)?

Jargon appropriate / understandable by building users Having visual access to seating from where ever you are walking in the neighborhood creates a comfortable and sociable atmosphere.

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Usability Matrix as a Tool to Develop Postoccupancy Evaluations EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

The symbolism of the neighborhood (symbolism) scheme design in relation to the circulation layout (circulation alignment) of programmatic elements provide physical, social, and psychological comfort.

Jargon appropriate / understandable by building users The neighborhood design scheme creates a sense of community and memorable experience for the resident.

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

Usability Matrix as a Tool to Develop Postoccupancy Evaluations EFFICIENCY

EFFECTIVESS

USER SATISFACTION

To what degree does the (spatial hierarchy) variety of public/ private spaces in the neighborhood plan create an interconnected (interconnectedness) design scheme for socialization and comfort (social, physical and mental comfort).

Jargon appropriate / understandable by building users

Residents have a variety of places to socialize, to activities, and spend time in solitude outside their rooms when desired.

Strongly Disagree

Somewhat Disagree

Neither Agree nor Disagree

Somewhat Agree

Strongly Agree

The Usability Matrix

Statues

Seating

Lounges

Special Thanks goes out to Blitch and Knevel Architects and Dr. Lorraine G. Hiatt for Helping Select an Appropriate “Environment for the Aging� Case Study