We all know from first hand experience how easily the built environment can make performing even the simplest activities difficult. Whether it is making our way through the entrances of public restrooms, using street crossings at intersections or just putting away groceries in our kitchens, good design can ensure that the built environment makes performing these activities easier for all of us.
A research team at the State University of New York’s School of Architecture and Planning in Buffalo is currently conducting a study of built environments' influences on activity performance. This study is being conducted by the Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access (IDEA) through its Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design and the Built Environment (RERC-UD) with funding provided by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR).
This study employs anonymous surveys to examine three built environments' influences on routine activities:
- Public Buildings (for example: using entrances, restrooms, etc.)
- Public Streets (for example: using sidewalks, intersections, etc.)
- Residential Environments (for example: using kitchens, bathrooms, etc.)
The initial surveys identify activities that are a problem for people in these three environments. Follow-up surveys then assess how well specific design features solve these problems. Print versions of the surveys are available upon request.
Each survey's participants will be eligible for a random drawing to win one of three $100 prizes. Individuals who participate in all the surveys will be eligible for a random drawing to win a $500 grand prize. Prizes will be awarded when each survey reaches its targeted level of participation.
Following each survey, participants are given an opportunity to join virtual communities on message boards where they can share ideas and discuss topics of mutual interest.
To participate in this research project, you must first provide Informed Consent. Next you will be asked to provide some information that will help us analyze the responses we get from the study’s surveys. Then you will be given opportunities to participate in the anonymous surveys and join the message board discussions.
After you click on PROVIDE INFORMED CONSENT below, you will be given additional information about the research project and asked if you agree to participate in the study as described. If you prefer to work in print form rather than online, please contact us by any of the means listed at the bottom of this page.
Mailing Address:
Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access
School of Architecture and Planning
3435 Main Street, 378 Hayes Hall
The State University of New York at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214
Email: idea@ap.buffalo.edu
Telephone: +1 (716) 829-3485 x 329
TTY: +1 (716) 829-3758
Fax: +1 (716) 829-3861
