A conceptual framework for designing human-centered building-occupant interactions to enhance user experience in specific-purpose buildings

Abstract

This research proposes a novel conceptual framework that combines the concepts of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Ambient Intelligence (AmI). The proposed framework aims to shed light on the importance of considering the needs and the social interactions of various building occupants in different types of buildings and designing HBI strategies accordingly. Specifically, we take educational buildings as a case that is less explored in the HBI research and apply the proposed framework, investigating how HBI strategies and interactions should be designed to address the needs of students, as primary occupants. Focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted among students in a flagship smart engineering building at Virginia Tech. Qualitative coding and concept mapping were used to analyze the qualitative data and determine the impact of occupant-specific needs on the learning experience of students. “Finding study space” was found to have the highest direct impact on the learning experience of students, and “Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ)” was found to have the highest indirect impact. The results show a clear need to integrate occupant needs in designing HBI strategies in different types of buildings. Finally, we discuss new ideas for designing potential Intelligent User Interfaces (IUI) to address the identified needs.