Predicting the Best Possible Outcomes By Using Mock-Ups: Research Evidence Implementation and Evaluation in Evidence-Based Design

Suining Ding (Purdue University Fort Wayne)

Evidence-based Design has been formally defined as “the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes” (The Center for Health Design, 2008). After research evidence is identified, interpreted and implemented, the research evidence needs to be evaluated to predict the best possible outcomes. Building mock-ups have been used as a simulation tool to assist design decision making in architectural designs. There exist two major simulation and mock-up tools including experience-based simulation and computer-based simulation. Physical mock-ups certainly are experiential in nature not only facilitate a high level of user participation and interaction but also foster a high level of fidelity and immersion. How building mock-up rooms can inform design decisions and predict the best possible outcomes for healthcare design? This question has been investigated through a case study in a regional medical center.

This research took a qualitative approach with grounded theory methodology. The method used for this study is the interview. Total twenty-five participants were interviewed including architects, designers, contractors, and owners as well as users. The data were analyzed through a three-stage coding paradigm.

Findings of this research show that the design team built mock-ups for patient rooms, operating rooms, nurse stations, medication rooms, the emergency department, and several other important areas for the facility. Then they ran simulations in each of these rooms to get feedback from the end users. The full-size mock-ups that are fully furnished with the equipment were used to test, evaluate, and modify evidence-based design solutions. Some of these rooms were built at least three times before the layout was finalized. As the conclusion, recommendations were made for research evidence-integration and best possible outcomes prediction by using mock-ups in the design process based on the findings of this study.