INT451

Kano (from a japanese researcher named Kano) analysis is a quality measurement tool which is used to determine which requirements are important. All identified requirements may not be of equal importance to all customers. Kano analysis can help you rank requirements for different customers to determine which have the highest priority. It then helps us, as designers to focus on the aspects that are more important so that we can assure that the space will be enjoyable for everyone and that is how we know that the design is successful. 4 types of customer needs we need to consider: The ‘Surprise & Delight’ factors. These really make your product stand out from the others. Example, a passenger jet that could take off vertically. The ‘More is Better’. E.g. a jet airliner that uses a little less fuel than the competition. The ‘must be’ things. Without this, you’ll never sell the product. E.g. A jet airliner that cannot meet airport noise regulations. Finally, there are the ...

When it comes to museums or display areas, we should think of them as artworks too. The space that displays art, should also be as attractive as them but still point the focus towards the artworks. Le louvre Abu Dhabi is a perfect example of that as it is a true architectural chef-d'oeuvre outside, but also inside. It is a much more pleasing for the people to enjoy the space. What is interesting with that museum is that it displays diverse artifacts from all over the world which then creates a dialogue in humanity and reinforces then the universal design. However, it does not neglect the identity of the museum that is linked to its location and climate. Indeed, the intricate detail of the curtain wall reminisces of the Islamic architecture due to its beautiful pattern, but it also provide a cool atmosphere to the people as it give shade from the burning sun. There are different ways to display art which are the lighting that will provide clarity and a great ambience to the visi...

It seems that technology has taken over the education design as now one of the trends is personalized learning and that is made trough technology as it is easier to collect and organize data, nut also simplifies the customization of learning. It has already been some years, that the video killed the textbook as it offers a more entertaining way of learning. So for us, interior designers we should make the classroom flexible and adaptable to all those technological advances. Electrical data, lighting as well as appropriate furniture will help facilitate learning and enable interaction between students.

One of the trends for hospitality design that we have actually seen in the Knoll showroom is the biophilic design which is implementing nature that will actually improve our overall health. This is something that can be seen in hotel lobbies, commercial spaces as well as the work environment. Indeed, some plants that we have seen in Knoll have the ability to clean up the air which the improves our breathing and comfort. Some design principles include increased exposure to daylight, having rooms with views of nature, the use of sustainably sourced materials, living “green” walls and natural patterns in the architecture. Lower energy costs solutions are also explored.

The research was interesting as it seems that the hospital is improving its technology once again in 2018. Indeed, some of the trends involved telehealth that will impact and change any spaces of the healthcare institute from the patient room to the lobbies. Telehealth is huge and very important as it improves a better communication between the professional and the patient with the remote consultation or improve simple procedure steps such as registration. Telehealth will affect task lighting, aesthetics and privacy by improving those areas as well.

Designing for children is a challenge overall as most of their spaces are for education. Design should be a way to stimulate them, entertain them, a way to make it easier to learn and work, and a way to foster independence. The challenge is that not all children are the same as the needs differ from age to age, but also because their learning capacities are not either, especially those with special needs. The underlying definition of design for all children is similar in context to the definition of universal design. Designing for all children means creating environments that can be usable by all children without the need for adaptation. It also means that the environments are free from both physical and social barriers. At the end of the day, spaces for children should be an appropriate where they can grow, learn and be safe.

The theme of the Knoll showroom is hospitality and it showcases a brand made of different elements. They like to specialize in office and studio design, but also in textiles. By trying to design a space with the hospitality aspect and the planning unit aspect, Knoll achieves in creating products and working environments that have a residential feel, comfy and exhilary with the textiles that have been carefully chosen. There is also a flow between the different areas of the showroom as they are not structurally separated but they are separated in different ways, by using fabric elements such as curtains or by installing small vignettes that can be knocked if needed. These vignettes are innovative and are also similar to some in the Herman Miller company. Instead of building up drywalls, it is a cheaper solution and can be taken away to be reused if the company moves out. It is a good solution when thinking about construction cost. All these creative wall systems can divide the diffe...

Staying in your own home as you get older is called "aging in place." Nowadays, when we think of designing a home, we are also planning ahead of what could benefit us when we get older. Indeed, it is known that older people have issues to be on their own in their own homes as they need help. But it is definitely hard to plan ahead as we do not necessarily know how our needs might change. Fortunately, there is a program that specializes on that specifically which is the  Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS). It is a program that helps remodel the residential home so that it is more visitable. Indeed, it helps he clients make the right choices by adding more task lighting, more grab bars and other modifications that will result in a safer and comfortable place to live for everyone that enters.

Reception Areas are an opportunity to determine and give the identity of the space or company as it is the first space that we enter in. Reception areas are like the first impressions that we give to people. It establishes what the person thinks of that space overall. What is cool with that space is that we can mix different materials on the desk for example or play with lighting, as long as we create a space that is convivial to the people.

Universal design in Architecture and in Interior Design is now a standard expectation. But it hasn’t always been the case. Indeed, features like a steep and narrow staircase or any kind of inaccessible design feature for the disabled was a barrier of oppportunity of those who could not go because of their disabilities. What is great now with the design philosophy is that we want to produce a design that is for every and that means making it accessible to everyone. However, in that design process we need to consciously think how can I treat everyone the same. Therefore Universal design is being used but it should also meet a beaut standard that will make everyone enjoy the experience.

The Sit2Stand desk from Steelcase is an innovative design that is ideally suitable for the work environment. Indeed, it offers the possibility for the worker to adjust his posture according to his desires. With the ergonomics being studied, this design helps improve the workers (health and work)condition as it has comfort and variety. Workers will be less tired physically as they now have the ability to stand and work at the same time.