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