Process, The spring hub | KDesign Stavanger

JOIN THE PROCESS

THE SPRING HUB

Reflective Journal - Universal Design

I started this project by writing a reflective journal to capture my journey in learning about the importance of universal design. As the project evolved, I conducted in-depth research focused on the design of The Spring Hub, ensuring the integration of key universal design principles. This journal also outlines the research methods I used to analyze, evaluate, and refine the design, showing how these insights have shaped my decisions and informed my approach throughout the process.

Click here to read the reflective journal

Research Methods

Here, you can follow my process leading up to the design of The Spring Hub. I used various methods to gain a deeper understanding of both the target audience and demographics while identifying the unique challenges of the site. Through research on existing study lounges, I analyzed what works well and where there is room for improvement. Sensory impressions also played a key role, as I aimed to create a cohesive experience for users. Additionally, I’ve included inspiration, goals, and sketches to illustrate how my ideas evolved throughout the project.

A more detailed explanation of the different research methods can be found in the captions of each image throughout the process.

Demographics refer to the characteristics and data of a specific population group, such as age, gender, income, occupation, and location. In design, demographics help designers understand the target audience and tailor the design to their needs and preferences. Considering demographic factors leads to solutions that are more relevant and user-friendly for those using the space or product.

A design concept is my core idea or vision for the design project. It’s the foundation that shapes how the design will look, feel, and function. The concept guides all my decisions, helping me create a consistent and meaningful experience. It’s what ties everything together, ensuring that the design serves its purpose and resonates with the intended audience.

Inspiration is what sparks ideas and drives my design projects. It can come from anything around me—nature, art, architecture, people, or experiences. It's the small details or big impressions that give me a vision for how I want to shape a space or product. Inspiration helps me think creatively and find new solutions, while also providing direction throughout the design process.

A typology study involves examining and analyzing different types of buildings or spaces to understand how they are designed and function. It looks at structure, form, function, and usage patterns to identify commonalities and differences between them. In a design project, a typology study can provide valuable insights into what works well and what can be improved, helping to inform and refine design decisions.

A sensory map is a tool that shows how we experience a space through our senses—sight, sound, touch, and smell. It helps the designer understand how different areas of a space feel to people, like where it’s the noisiest, brightest, or has softer textures. By using a sensory map, the designer can adjust the space to make it more comfortable and stimulate the senses in the right way.

Designers examine how a space is currently used to understand its function and usage patterns, allowing them to identify what works and what needs improvement. This helps them create a redesign that better meets user needs, while being more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

A site survey is an assessment of a location before starting a design or construction project. It involves collecting detailed information about the physical conditions, layout, and environment of the site. This includes measurements, observing existing structures, checking access points, and identifying potential challenges like lighting, ventilation, or hazards. The purpose of a site survey is to ensure the design is practical, feasible, and tailored to the unique characteristics of the site.

A SWOT analysis is a tool used to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in a project. Strengths are advantages that give a project an edge, while weaknesses are challenges that may slow progress. Opportunities are external factors, like new trends or technology, that can lead to success. Threats are external challenges, like competition or economic changes, that could harm the project. SWOT helps with planning by highlighting where to focus and how to manage risks.

I wrote 5 aims for the project to clearly define what I wanted to achieve and provide a clear direction. These aims served as guidelines for my design process, helping me stay focused and ensuring that both I and any stakeholders shared an understanding of the project's goals. Having specific aims also made it easier to measure success and evaluate whether the project met the intended outcomes.

A zone map divides a space into different functional areas and helps designers plan how the space will be used and how people will move through it. Each zone serves a specific purpose, such as seating, work areas, or communal spaces. The zone map makes the layout more organized and tailored to user needs, ensuring the space is functional and easy to navigate.

A design statement is my brief explanation of what I aim to achieve with the design. It outlines the main idea, the challenges I’m trying to address, and what’s important to me in the project. It helps me stay focused and gives others a clear understanding of the direction and vision behind my design.

Click here to return to the project