Abstract
Interior design researchers study computer technology in order to understand its impact on design processes and education. Yet, whether the use of the computer has made interior designers better at improving the life of users remains to be seen. The purpose of this research is to examine the use of technology in design through a narrative case, the EPA project by Hellmuth, Obata, and Kassabaum (HOK), to offer insights into how computers can be used to make a design compatible with user needs. Three indivdiuals involved with the EPA project were interviewed and audiotaped regarding the design and computer modeling of the labs. The transcripts were subsequently analyzed for dominant themes. The researcher developed a narrative using a structure established by the FIDER Research Council. The results indicate that repeated involvement of the scientists in the design process through evaluation via the walk–through animation and other means resulted in a positive evaluation. The case provides insights on how computer technology can be optimized to improve the design for end–users. Using the EPA story and present trends in computer technology as a foundation, the article presents a scenario to help designers consider ways for integrating the latest computer modeling technology into their practice.
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