EVALUATION OF USER-CENTRED DESIGN STRATEGIES AND EMPLOYEES’ PRODUCTIVITY IN THE DESIGN OF STAINERZ OFFICE BUILDING IN UYO, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the application of user-centred design (UCD) strategies in the design of an office building in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, with a focus on enhancing employees’ productivity. As modern work environments evolve, traditional office designs often fail to address the holistic needs of users physically, psychologically, and functionally. User-centred design prioritizes the needs, preferences, and experiences of users through key strategies such as ergonomic design, flexible workspaces, biophilic design, inclusive design, and sustainable design. A mixed methods approach was adopted, comprising of literature reviews, comparative analysis of selected office buildings, and structured questionnaires distributed across selected office buildings in Uyo. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and reliability tests, while qualitative insights enriched the understanding of spatial functionality and user satisfaction. Findings revealed that flexible workspaces, ergonomic design, and biophilic design were highly rated by employees in terms of their impact on productivity. However, gaps were identified in the provision of ergonomic tools and sustainability features. The study highlights the significance of implementing these strategies into office designs particularly in Uyo, Nigeria, emphasizing their contribution to employees’ productivity. The findings provide valuable design insights for architects, developers, facility manages and executives, aiming to create a more productive work environment in Uyo, Nigeria.