Environmental User
Experience Audit
Project Introduction:
The first step in the process is to understand the design intent. Our initial consultation will inform of the design narrative, goals, and client needs for the project as a whole.
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During Design Phases, a plan set that includes floor and reflected ceiling plans, elevations, sections, lighting scheme, acoustic treatment notes, and material board will be submitted. If any dimension cannot be assessed from the received documentation, it will be flagged and discussed further. Depending on the scope and needs of the project, the design audit can take as little as two business days to several business days for highly complex project types and needs.
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Audits can be done during the schematic phase, the design development phase, or through both. Such longitudinal studies can provide comparisons on the impact of the changes made. However, the earlier the design audit can be done, the better. This allows for maximum opportunity for changes with the least amount of impact.
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During Post-Occupancy evaluations, an in-situ audit will be conducted of the space(s) to be observed once plans, prior assessments, and program brief and goals are discussed These will help establish a baseline design intent against the experienced reality. Depending of the size and needs of the space, this will take one or two visits, with an option for a long-term study at 60 and 180-day post-occupancy evaluations.
Methodology:
Using an auditing methodology that utilizes a proprietary scorecard, five user experience and five neurological dimensions of analysis are completed. For the Design Phases, these provide complementary proof-of-concept visualizations and a comprehensive narrative of the design before anything is built.
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During Post-Occupancy evaluations, the same 10 dimensions are used, but through an active observation lens. Daylighting analysis, wayfinding, and stimulation levels are among the items taken into account. Depending on the needs of the space and contract agreement, user surveys can be conducted as well. The questions cover perceived comfort, cognitive ease, and behavioral patterns. These responses feed directly into the EUX scorecard.
4 Categories of Analysis:
Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)
Assess plan legibility, circulation hierarchy, and cognitive demands implied by proposed material and visual complexity. Understand how visual information is organized and weighted within a composition.
Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
Analyzes how effectively a space provides restorative affordances. Evaluates proposed daylighting strategies, biophilic materials, and connections to exteriors.Â
Autonomic Stress Regulation
Calibrates arousal levels against the intended use of each space. Items such as a ceiling heights, room proportions, and material warmth/saturation are evaluated.
Affective Memory & Emotional Encoding
Examine encoded emotional memories through peak experiences and transition moments. These are typically arrival sequences, thresholds, or focal moments and views.
Scorecard:
The proprietary scorecard is built from the 10 dimensions of analysis, listing the 5 key items for both the user experience and the neurological response of the user. Each category is ten points, totaling 100 points possible; a 10% grading index is used to rate the design. During the design phases, this will help identify the highest-priority items that the design team can address before the next phase milestone.
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For post-occupancy surveys, the scorecard and report can identify strengths, friction points, and prioritized improvements.
Results & Deliverables:
Once the design phase audit is complete, a scorecard and design report are provided as PDF deliverables, along with any proof-of-concept visualizations that were agreed upon in the initial contract (fully developed renderings are a separate service and contract). A coordination meeting will occur if contracted through a design development or longitudinal study. This working session with the design team will include presenting the findings, answer questions, and discuss implementation paths for recommendations and lasts an hour.
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After a post-occupancy evaluation is finished, a 30-minute video or in-person debrief will occur with the primary client. The scorecard and report will be delivered as a PDF package.