Design process for an occupant survey system to assess satisfaction with indoor environmental quality

Abstract

ABSTRACT User satisfaction surveys play a crucial role in assessing Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ). Yet, existing databases predominantly reflect data from developed countries, limiting applicability to culturally and climatically diverse regions. This study emphasizes the relevance of evaluating IEQ satisfaction in office buildings by proposing a standardized, open-access occupant survey system (OSS) for global application. User satisfaction surveys were selected as references from literature for screening and content analysis. The proposed OSS features a two-part survey that triggers detailed questions based on reported IEQ domain-related discomfort frequency. Evaluation process to ensure survey validity incorporated feedback from experts and laypersons. Additionally, a broader application was carried out with 115 office employees. Results identified prevalent issues such as acoustic and thermal discomfort, varying between open-plan and private office layouts. Participants’ responses also showed a significant link between IEQ satisfaction and time spent at the workstation. Overall, the OSS demonstrates its potential as a cost-effective instrument to provide a comprehensive IEQ diagnostic based on occupants’ perceptions. Future iterations should integrate concurrent building measurements to enhance evaluation precision and broaden the applicability of the survey tool across diverse environmental and cultural contexts.