Identification of Factors Influencing Satisfaction with Interaction Strategies by Clustering Occupants in Buildings

Abstract

Control systems in buildings that prioritise occupant preferences have gained attention recently, intending to enhance the acceptability of automated systems. However, effective human-building interaction strategies remain challenging to design due to the lack of understanding of building occupant preferences. This study aims to identify factors influencing occupant satisfaction with building control systems to provide insights for improvement in interaction strategies. Surveys conducted in buildings located in Riga (Latvia) and Delft (The Netherlands) collected data on satisfaction with indoor environmental quality (IEQ), building controls, productivity, control importance, and social-subjective norms. Analysis categorised respondents into high and low satisfaction clusters and identified significant factors influencing satisfaction with IEQ through non-parametric tests. Logistic regression and coefficient analysis were used to assess the relationship between satisfaction and these factors. Findings suggest factors influencing satisfaction with IEQ, personal control, and automation, underscoring the developed methodology's potential. The identification of these factors informs actions that might enhance Human-Building Interaction (HBI) strategies, emphasising tailored approaches and addressing control system limitations. Further research is necessary to evaluate these strategies and understand how insights into human-building interaction strategies can lead to higher satisfaction levels.