User-Centric Residential Design

User-centricity is a cornerstone in today&s;s residential environments, aiming to create spaces that offer both tailored and enriching experiences for residents. However, the field of interior architecture encompasses a vast array of knowledge, often drawing from diverse, experience-rich disciplines. Rapid advancements in building technologies and materials have introduced additional layers of complexity, presenting professionals with a challenging maze of information and decision-making hurdles. These challenges become even more pronounced during the early stages of residential design evaluations, where the diverse needs of users meet existing gaps in design knowledge. This section introduces readers to the Knowledge-Based Decision Support System (KBDSS), a tool specifically designed for user-centred residential design. Its primary goal is to capture the wide-ranging needs of occupants, refining design specifics to cater to different user groups. This comprehensive approach does more than just optimise resources; it aims to significantly enhance occupant satisfaction. Within this framework, users are segmented based on detailed requirement hierarchies, ensuring design outcomes resonate with a broader audience. Diving deeper into the workings of the KBDSS, the section highlights the integral roles of the Quality Function Deployment method, Decision Support System, and Fuzzy Set Theory. Together, they form a robust framework adept at translating user aspirations into actionable design directives. The inclusion of the Kano model offers further insights, pinpointing the best strategies for resource allocation across various design elements. The theoretical aspects of the KBDSS come alive through a detailed case study on a multi-unit residential kitchen design. This hands-on exploration not only showcases the system&s;s capabilities but also emphasises its game-changing potential in pioneering successful user-centric design paradigms.