User-centered design: how can we make buildings more human?
The aim of design is no longer simply for a building to perform a function.
The human experience within it should also be:
- Easy.
- Clear.
- Comfortable.
- Safe.
What is user-centred design?
This approach begins with understanding the user before drawing a solution.
We study:
- Their needs.
- Their behaviour.
- Their expectations.
- How they move.
- How they feel within a place.
The design aims to enhance:
- Comfort.
- Ease of use.
- Safety.
- Belonging.
- Satisfaction.
1. Understanding the user
Needs differ between:
- Students.
- Employees.
- Patients.
- Visitors.
- Children.
- Older adults.
User groups are therefore identified before developing the solution.
2. User Journey
The user's journey through a building can be mapped:
Where do they enter?
Where do they go?
What services do they need?
Where might they become confused?
This journey helps identify problems before construction.
3. Testing the design before construction
Methods can include:
- 3D.
- VR.
- AR.
So clients and users can understand spaces before they are built.
4. Movement and wayfinding
Users should naturally understand:
- Where they are.
- Where do they go?
- How to reach their destination.
This is achieved through:
- Clear routes.
- Visibility.
- Lighting.
- Signage.
- Wayfinding cues.
5. Sensory comfort
The user experience is also affected by:
- Sound.
- Lighting.
- Temperature.
- Materials.
- Colours.
- Connection to nature.
Conclusion
A successful building should be more than beautiful.
Users should find it understandable, easy to navigate and comfortable from the moment they enter.
