Green Expectations

Environmental control and sustainability have become increasingly important in the design of workspaces. Lighting systems in particular have undergone many changes through the incorporation of computer- integrated control panels working in tandem with occupancy and light sensors. Such control panels can allow for increased perceived environmental control which has been shown to improve job satisfaction and productivity (Kroner, 1992; O’Neil, 2004). However, these controls must be designed effectively according to a number of principles regarding interaction design, including good stimulus-response compatibility and adherence to population stereotypes. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the usability of one such control panel being used in a smart, green building, and to see how the shortcomings in the design may force users to default to the most familiar setting, which may not be the most energy efficient.