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Behaviorally annotated plans: beyond the presentation technique

Date

1998

Authors

Smaglik, Julie Ann, author
Birdsong, Craig W., advisor
Tremblay, Kenneth R., Jr., committee member
Loomis, Ross J., committee member

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Abstract

This research study investigated the use of behaviorally annotated plans as a technique for communicating research findings, enhancing design solutions, and increasing the awareness of designers toward the behavioral implications of their design solutions. This technique incorporates interior floor plans (or other design drawings) with written text (annotations) referring to human behavior in the environment. It is well suited as an aid in communication for designers who tend to be highly visual and their clients who tend to be more familiar with text than with design drawings as it brings together both visual and verbal methods of communication. Traditionally, behaviorally annotated plans are primarily reserved for the final communication of research findings in the presentation stage of the design process. This thesis proposes uses for behaviorally annotated plans beyond presentation. The four objectives of this study were to (1) determine the state of the use of behaviorally annotated plans within interior design, (2) determine the elements utilized within behaviorally annotated plans, (3) devise a method for incorporation of behaviorally annotated plan into various stages of the design process, and (4) describe the benefits of this incorporation. Content analysis was utilized to review publications relating to interior design and environmental design research retrieved by a keyword search. These publications, as well as three major journals, two professional organizations' conference proceedings, and five introductory interior design textbooks were examined for definitions, procedures, and uses of behavioral plan annotation. Findings were integrated with a five stage design process (programming, schematic design, design development/presentation, implementation, and evaluation) for incorporating behaviorally annotated plans at various stages of design. During the programming stage, inclusion of behavioral information enhances the program by supplementing the physical requirements with behavioral requirements. Together, these requirements provide direction for developing alternative solutions in the schematic design phase. In the schematic design stage, the inclusion of behaviorally annotated plans aids discovery and decision-making by bringing attention to what is known and unknown regarding expected behaviors for the space. It also acts as a tool for exchanging information among design team members. In the design development/presentation stage, inclusion of behavioral annotations enhances the presentation by clearly communicating environmental design research and involves the client in feedback and decision-making processes. Inclusion of a behaviorally annotated plan in the implementation phase provides communication of the behavioral intent of the space to parties not previously included and serves as an orientation tool for personnel when provided in training materials. Results of post-occupancy evaluation benefit both the client and the designer. The client is able to make improvements to the space based upon the results of the study, and the designer can build on this knowledge in designing similar interior environments. Recommendations were presented for the use of behaviorally annotated plans in interior design education and practice, and in further research.

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Subject

Interior decoration -- Environmental aspects
Interior decoration -- Human factors

Citation

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