Advances in POE Methods

Design research should now be differentiated into Pre-Design Research (PDR) and Post Occupancy Evaluations (POEs). While most methods overlap, the different purposes of these two types of research influence selection of methods and analyses and modify methods to suit each. Simulation is the only method peculiar just to PDR and is rapidly advancing to a micro stage through electronic advances. The self-report controversy continues for all methods that use self-report forms of answers. The newest field, the transactional approach, also stirs controversy. Industry and government clients are preferring expert and focussed groups and these may be in danger of crowding out the more tried methods of social science.