3 research outputs found
User Evaluation of Neonatology Ward Design: An Application of Focus Group and Semantic Differential
[EN] Objective: The object of this article is to identify the set of affective and emotional factors behind
users assessments of a space in a neonatology unit and to propose design guidelines based on these.
Background: The importance of the neonatology service and the variety of users place great
demands on the space at all levels. Despite the repercussions, the emotional aspects of the environment have received less attention. Methods: To avoid incurring limitations in the user mental
scheme, this study uses two complementary methodologies: focus group and semantic differential. The
(qualitative) focus group methodology provides exploratory information and concepts. The (quantitative) semantic differential methodology then uses these concepts to extract the conceptual structures that users employ in their assessment of the space. Of the total 175 subjects, 31 took part in
focus groups and 144 in semantic differential. Results: Five independent concepts were identified:
privacy, functionality and professional nature, spaciousness, lighting, and cleanliness. In relation to the
importance of the overall positive assessment of the space, the perception of privacy and sensations of
dominance and pleasure are fundamental. Six relevant design aspects were also identified: provide
spacious surroundings, facilitate sufficient separation between the different posts or cots, use different
colors from those usually found in health-care centers, as some aversion was found to white and
especially green, design areas with childhood themes, use warm artificial light, and choose user-friendly
equipment. Conclusions: Results provide design recommendations of interest and show the possibilities offered by combining both systems to analyze user response.The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Spain (Project TIN2013-45736-R).Higuera-Trujillo, JL.; Montañana I Aviñó, A.; Llinares Millán, MDC. (2017). User Evaluation of Neonatology Ward Design: An Application of Focus Group and Semantic Differential. HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal. 10(2):23-48. https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586716641275S234810