Human versus machine - testing validity and insights of manual and automated data gathering methods in complex buildings

摘要: With the advancement of information technologies, automated methods gathering data on space usage patterns in complex buildings using sensors are gaining popularity. At same time, typical Space Syntax studies still rely traditional social science and manual gathering, for instance through direct observations user surveys. How insights generated by each approach compare to other is poorly understood. Therefore this paper reports findings from an in-depth two week long study a university building, where both (direct observations, surveys) (RFID recording locations interactions users) were employed parallel. The main hypotheses be tested that captured RFID delivers comparable (1), complementary (2) or contradictory (3) self-reported behaviour under investigation includes movement flows, occupancy, interactivity interaction networks. Results suggest variable degrees overlap can established between approaches with rather few findings. For certain behaviours high levels variance datasets found, pointing towards predominantly It shown goodness fit depends way aggregated. This allows systematic reflections strengths weaknesses approaches. In summary, evidence suggests human machine based reveal crucial into building users. Substituting ones cannot supported study. Further suggestions future life made, thus contributing development research field.