Designing for a more accessible zero energy system

Designing for a more accessible zero energy system

Boyuklieva, Alina (TU Delft Industrial Design Engineering)

Boess, S.U. (mentor)
Jaśkiewicz, T.J. (mentor)
Mohamed, Juliëtte (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Integrated Product Design

2022-08-30

In the recent years, many older buildings are being transformed into more sustainable zero-energy housing. However, next to its advantages, there are many challenges that still have to be tackled. One of the main ones is the mismatch between residents’ expectations and systems’ functioning. This report analyses the specific case of a demo-apartment in Reigersbos, Amsterdam and applies an Inclusive design perspective with a focus on visually impaired residents. The main goal is to develop a solution that will decrease the gap between residents and systems. Through literature research, user interviews and field research of the demo apartment, the challenges of the case are defined from a human-centred design perspective. Then, the accessibility limitations are identified on the basis of the conducted accessibility research. Different Inclusive design tools and suitable approaches for designing together with visually impaired users are described. As a result, three design interventions are proposed. The first one is targeting the stakeholders, responsible for choosing the systems and products in a renovation. It is a Booklet that provides specific guidelines and recommendations for the decision-makers to follow. Its aim is to help them improve the outcomes of a renovation. While this tool still has to be evaluated in the projected use scenario, according to interviews with experts, it is a much needed product. The other two proposals are concepts called ‘Tactimap’ and ‘Breathing Walls’ which embody the main user needs identified during the research phase. Their target group are the end users, namely visually impaired and the wider public. The evaluation confirmed that the ‘Breathing Walls’ concept has promising potential for future development. ‘Tactimap’ on the other hand turned out to be less prospective at this moment. The exploration of the three concepts contributes knowledge to the field of zero-energy renovations and Inclusive design. In addition, the recommendations from the booklet can be applied immediately in the renovation of Reigersbos so that it becomes better fitting to users’ needs.

Inclusive Desing
Zero-energy renovation
Accessibility
visually impaired people
Design tools

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:4f7208fa-1a46-44d6-947f-d80b6b0a266c

Student theses

master thesis

© 2022 Alina Boyuklieva