Participatory approach to draw ergonomic criteria for window design

Abstract

This paper sets new criteria to improve windows design strategies using participatory ergonomics and the grounded theory method. Focus groups are used to investigate participants' reactions and discussions about the visual stimuli and their deduction in terms of further employment of specific window design techniques or uses. Results framework is established through the relevance of the relationship between 25 coded categories, grouped in 5 main macro-categories used to describe the value attribution of ergonomic window design from the users' perspective. Three design principles are highlighted: connection with the outside context to feel oriented, filtering glaze or techniques to mediate the outdoor stimuli towards the ideal indoor conditions, and manageability. Overall the method is validated and applicable to other architectural features design study. For the designer or professional working on innovation and production in the Architecture and Engineering industries, these principles could be an efficient tool to improve the industrial appealability of a product.