With rapid changes in technology and education systems, learning environments are quickly transforming from traditional brick-and-mortar classrooms into interactive, technological communal spaces. In this research project, my team and I examine the effectiveness of the Carleton University Discovery Centre as a learning environment, specifically regarding its ability to facilitate group work, and promote student productivity.
Research Plan
The process we used to conduct our research project can be seen as a two stage process. This first stage involved creating a research plan, conducting quantitative and qualitative research and identifying preliminary patterns. The second stage involved analyzing the data we collected, pinpointing problem areas, ideating potential solutions and presenting directions of exploration based on user feedback.
Affinity Diagram
We conducted observations using AEIOU observation techniques, and took note of the activities, environment, interactions, object and users within the space. We found that our observation data could be categorized into five groups, shown in the affinity diagram below:
Stakeholder Map
The stakeholder map allows us to view who is connected, directly or indirectly to the Discovery Centre. It also shows the relations between different stakeholders and how their individual needs are similar or differ.
Kano Model
We used the kano model to map out different aspects or features of the space and evaluate which are wants versus which are needs. As a whole, the main areas of potential we found were elements that increase the comfort of the learning environment, methods for engaging students, ways to increase accessibility and accommodations for different activity types and work styles.
Ideation
From the areas of potential we found, the de-stressors, healthy learning, collaboration and staff work areas stood out the most to me. These are all areas that may not be considered initially in the design of a learning environment, but they contribute greatly to the efficacy of the space. Through ideation, I came up with potential solutions such as adjustable standing tables, whiteboard tables, a healthy learning quadrant and sliding doors for the existing group work pods.
Full Report
Scroll through the full report below:
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