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POEs and Prototypes: Post‐occupancy Evaluations Comparing Two Prototypical Flexible Group Work Spaces in the Open Office
Author(s) -
Zimmer Linda,
Arch. M. I.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of interior design
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.229
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 1939-1668
pISSN - 1071-7641
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1668.1993.tb00069.x
Subject(s) - post occupancy evaluation , occupancy , work (physics) , focus group , group work , computer science , affect (linguistics) , applied psychology , psychology , engineering , mathematics education , architectural engineering , marketing , business , mechanical engineering , communication
This study uses post‐occupancy evaluation as a method to examine two prototypical team work settings. The aim is to determine how these flexible team settings support group work processes and workers. The post‐occupancy evaluation measures users' behavior and reactions for both settings over the course of a year. The evaluation methodology is driven by a series of seven hypotheses related to how the physical setting may affect the interaction and effectiveness of groups. A multimethod approach involving written surveys, observations, and focus group interviews is used to gather and validate data for each hypothesis. The results indicate shared successes and problems with flexible components and setting design and also subtle differences due to variables in design and user groups. Overall the post‐occupancy evaluation served to develop a broader understanding of how people interact with and in a flexible group work setting in the open office.