SYSTEMATIC INSPECTION METHOD OF UNIVERSAL USABILITY IN ARCHITECTURE: CASE STUDY WITH MODIFIED HEURISTIC EVALUATION

Abstract

This article presents the results of a case study evaluated through modified heuristics-based method in conformation to the Universal Design principles, in a Planned Commercial Center. The main objective is to analyze the application potential of the modified heuristic evaluation as a universal usability inspection method allied to the pluralistic method of inspection. The evaluation is composed of three subsequent sessions: (1) pre-interview, in which five expert interdisciplinary evaluators analyze the Planned Commercial Center’s architectonic projects concerning the Universal Design principles and spatial accessibility and fill out a structured interview form; (2) activities in settings, in which each expert answers the form again during the development of pre-defined activities; and (3) post-interview, in which the forms were once again answered through a reanalysis of the architectonic projects. As result, it was identified that the modified heuristic evaluation can instate effectively the project evaluation before the fact and in the post-occupation evaluation, providing interaction between the architectonic project analysis and the space use. Therefore, further studies on universal usability and its use in inclusive spaces are of paramount importance. This research presented itself as an initial step for the universal usability evaluation in architecture, and recommends applied tests to the architectonic context, because they highlight the importance of interdependent elements analysis inside the constructed environment, and must be implemented to the universal project process.

Keywords

• Usabilidade
• Desenho Universal
• Acessibilidade
• Avaliação
• Heurística.