Supporting complex decision making in learning space design: WDA-ANP, a novel sociotechnical systems approach. Issue 7 (18th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Navarro Bringas, Eduardo; Bowles, Graeme; Walker, Guy H.
• Is Part Of: Facilities. Volume 40:Issue 7/8(2022)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 451
• Publication Date: 2022-02-18
• Subjects: Analytical network process -- Sociotechnical systems -- Design for operability -- Front-end design -- Learning space design -- Work domain analysis -- Design for excellence; Facility management -- Periodicals; Plant engineering -- Periodicals; 658.2
• DOI: 10.1108/F-08-2021-0072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2772

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel approach, underpinned by systems thinking, to structure requirements and support front-end design decision-making around the performance in-use of developments within highly complex environments, with diverse stakeholders and users, such as the case of learning spaces in higher education (HE). Design/methodology/approach: Work domain analysis (WDA), a sociotechnical systems design framework, is first used to model the constraints that shape the expected performance of an informal learning space (ILS). Based on the model, the following stage involved a sector-wide survey questionnaire ( n = 175) to appraise the views of different stakeholder groups in relation to ILS. These were analysed using the analytical network process (ANP). Findings: This study provides a novel approach, using WDA, to conceptualise the constraints shaping the performance in-use, integrating the perspectives of different stakeholder groups. Furthermore, it provides a structured approach to establish priorities that can serve as the basis to support complex decision-making during early design stages. The findings and proposed WDA–ANP approach aim to support HE estate managers on better understanding and integrating perspectives in relation to campus developments. Originality/value: In this paper, a novel systems-based approach is proposed as an alternative to conceptualise ILS. Furthermore, the approach is combined with ANP, a multi-criteria decision-making approach, to develop a novel tool to derive priorities and support front-end design decision-making in learning space design.