Need for User-centered design

Commercial Interior Space Designing-II 4(1+3)

Lesson 5:Public Buildings and Design Process

Need for User-centered design

Designing public access commercial or institutional buildings for protecting safety requires a proactive approach that anticipates and then protects the welfare of the building occupants, resources, structure, and continuity of operations. The first step in this process is to understand the various threats and the risks a building can pose. Enumeration of these in the initial stage of design process can lead the project team to make security and safety design decisions. This effort identifies the resources or assets to be protected and the possible dangers or threats and then establishes a likely consequence of occurrence or "risk." Safe buildings, control rooms, plant and equipment can have a large impact on human performance.

  • Provide designs that eliminate or reduce hazards in the work place to prevent mishaps and reduce reliance on personal protective equipment.
  • Prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.
  • Prevent falls from heights.
  • Prevent slips, trips, and falls.
  • Ensure electrical safety from turn-over through Operations and Maintenance. Modifications must be in conformance with life safety codes and standards and be documented.
  • Eliminate exposure to hazardous materials (e.g., volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde, and lead and asbestos in older buildings).
  • Provide good indoor air quality (IAQ) and adequate ventilation.
  • Analyze work requirements and provide ergonomic work places to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).
  • Perform proper building operations and maintenance.

The earlier the consideration is given to human factors and ergonomics in the design process, the better the results are likely to be. However, it’s important to use human factors and ergonomics expertise appropriately by involving people with knowledge of the working processes involved and the end user. For that reason, user involvement is key to designing operable and maintainable plant and systems. Building design involves conscious allocation of space with varying degrees of physical & visual enclosure. Bright and clean work units, comfortable furniture, spacious cabins, health-friendly computers & accessories, impress upon employees the aesthetic and sensitive outlook of the organization.

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Last modified: Monday, 19 December 2011, 6:18 AM