Evidence-based Design - Tools

Tools

Traditionally, evidence-based design has been applied for the measuring of the efficacy of a building design; it is usually carried out at the post-construction stage as a part of a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE). POE evidences the effectiveness or the weaknesses of design decisions in relation to human behaviour in built environment. Usually questions concern issues such as acoustics, odor control, vibration, lighting, ser-friendliness, and so on, and are binary-choice (acceptable or not acceptable). Other research techniques, such as direct observation, photography, checklists, interviews, direct surveys, focus groups are utilized to supplement traditional design research methods. Several assessment tools are developed by The Center for Health Design and by *The Picker Institute, to help healthcare managers and designers in gathering information on consumer's needs, assessing their satisfaction, measuring quality improvements. These tools are commonly used in EBD practices and can be downloaded by the CHD web site.

• Patient Environmental Checklist is addressed to patient and is useful to assess an existing facility's strong and weak points. Specific environment features are evaluated by patients and their families through a 5-point scale. Checklist quickly shows which areas need to be improved.
• Patient Survey’s purpose is to achieve information on patients' experiences with the built environment. Questions range is wide, since patients' priorities may be very different from those of administrators or designers.
• Focus Groups with consumers are oriented to learn more about their specific needs and generate ideas for future solutions.