This guide describes how a good user process should be organized and implemented throughout the construction project. The guide also covers communication between users and construction professionals, important points to consider, and much more.
2012
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User involvement is crucial for a building’s success – because what value does a good building have if it doesn’t meet the users’ expectations?
Value creation in building projects and user involvement are closely connected. What use is a good building that has been delivered on time and within budget if the users’ underlying needs have not been understood and therefore not met? User involvement is a key to understanding users’ needs and is thus a crucial prerequisite for achieving high user satisfaction.
User involvement promotes understanding and ownership
User involvement can also promote understanding and ownership of the chosen solutions, which in itself can contribute to a positive perception of the end product. Although the purpose of user involvement may seem obvious, the process is often a source of frustration for both users and professionals.
This guide is designed to pass on good experiences from practitioners across the industry and inspire effective, value-creating user processes. The guide covers the entire user involvement process from initial planning through execution to handover and occupancy.
Summary
The guide provides a comprehensive framework for organizing user involvement throughout the building process. It addresses how to identify users, understand their needs, prioritize requirements, and maintain engagement during construction. The guide emphasizes that successful user involvement requires clear communication, realistic expectations, and continuous dialogue between all parties.
The guide contains:
- Methods for identifying and analyzing user groups
- Tools for mapping user needs and requirements
- Communication strategies for different project phases
- Templates for user committees and decision plans
- Techniques for managing expectations and conflicts
- Guidelines for user introduction and training
- Examples of stakeholder analysis
- Case study from Copenhagen University research facilities
Facts about this guide
This guide has been produced and published by the industry initiative Værdibyg with funding from the construction sector organisations behind Værdibyg and from Realdania.
