BUS Methodology

Basics

What is it?
A questionnaire survey and benchmarking method for rapid and comprehensive study of user needs in a range of building types. Developed in UK and used internationally in thirteen language versions. Self-completion occupant questionnaire. In use since 1985. Benchmarked database. Done on a consultancy basis or on licence. Adopted by Arup in 2008 . Partnership network launched 2013. Available through www.busmethodology.org.uk .

Useful where?
As the basis for occupant surveys of buildings, either alone or in conjunction with other techniques as part of POE or diagnostic performance studies.

What else does it do?
Surveys add up to provide a comprehensive archive on the needs of users and attitudes.

Related activities
Licensed by others as part of their own programmes (e.g. Probe, multi-disciplinary design practices, architectural practices, building services practices and university research teams).

In what sectors?
Non-domestic buildings with permanent user populations, e.g. offices, higher education buildings, schools. Can also be used in cut-down versions for, e.g. students, library users or others who use buildings as visitors. A domestic version, primarily developed for the evaluation of green housing developments, is also available.

Relevance
Has become a de facto standard for occupant surveys.

Development status

Who developed it?
Building Use Studies Ltd, incrementally since 1985. Development continued by BUSMethodology after 2008 in collaboration with BUS.

Stage of development
Mature technique. Originally part of the groundbreaking Office Environment Survey (1985-87). The BRE/Royal Society of Health questionnaire was also derived from part of this in the early 1990s. Progressively refined to be shorter, more economical, easier to manage, with more rapid analysis, and with wider relevance to e.g. workplace performance.

Examples of its use

1. Probe surveys.
2. In-house post-occupancy surveys (POEs).
3. Public domain POEs.
4. Postgraduate student theses and dissertations.
5. Soft Landings feedback.
6. In-house consultancy.
7. Technology Strategy Board (TSB) feedback

Further development happening?
Constantly updated and refined. There are thirteen different versions in English, all with a common core. Also Dutch. French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Norwegian, Japanese and Swedish, and internet versions. Now offered as a service by Arup.

Development contacts
Richard Reid +44 207833 3555 (commercial) Adrian Leaman (for students) +44 1723 624394

Benchmarks?
Yes. A mature benchmarking system with benchmarks for the UK, Australia, NZ and an international set if required.

How it works

Brief description
A one, two or three page questionnaire (depending on requirement) administered either by hand (preferred because response rates are much higher) or via the internet. The data file prepared using either method is then input to the data analysis system. Standard outputs are produced as report Appendices. Many different formats are possible. Graphics are available as a private and anonymous web url.

Is there software?
Uses an in-house Filemaker Pro system developed by Building Use Studies for data analysis. Pre-formatted Excel files are used for data input. Normally, these filled-in Excel files are sent to BUSMethodology for analysis. Software can be made available to licensees under special arrangements.

How long does it take?

• An occupant survey normally takes one day.
• Data preparation and data entry depends on size of study.
• Data analysis in basic form usually takes less than half a day.
• Final reporting is variable, depending on client requirements for written and verbal reports.

Can I do it myself?
Yes. You may licence the questionnaire methods. Licences are free to supervised postgraduate students (and sometimes to undergraduates under special circumstances) . A charge is made to commercial clients.

Can someone else do it for me?
Support is provided by BUSMethodology (usually by e-mail and telephone) at all levels. The survey is offered by as a consultancy service, together with interviews, focus groups and feedback sessions as required. Support documentation is also provided.

References
See the BUS webguides. (q.v. links and PDFs).

Links
Many outputs from the BUSMethodology survey are to be found on the Usable Building website. See also separate links and pdf window.

Is the technique in the public domain?
Yes. A licence is required to use the system. This was introduced in 1995 to help ensure that:

1. data files produced by the survey questionnaire were properly incorporated in the benchmarking system;
2. quality control was maintained;
3. licensees fed back their comments to help with continuous development

Are the methods open to inspection with technical support papers?
Yes, by licensees who have access to questionnaires, data preparation pro formas, benchmarks and results. (See links.)

Cost

• Supervised postgraduate students have free use.
• Others pay a fee depending on what is required.
• All methods required are supplied by BUSMethodology to the licensee, who carries out the study and sends the data file back. BUSMethodology then send the results by return.

Are the results in the public domain?
Some, in particular the Probe surveys. Building Use Studies encourages licensees to make their results public, but completely guarantees anonymity should they wish not to.

Are there stable benchmarks?
Yes. A comprehensive set of 65 benchmarks for the UK, Australia, New Zealand and International (covering comfort, health, productivity, control, quickness of response, furniture, space etc., usually based on the most recent 50 buildings studied. Benchmarks updated annually.

Variations are also available for different reference types (e.g. naturally ventilated or air-conditioned offices) and for different countries. Benchmarks are updated annually.

Is there an accreditation system?
Yes, informal. Licensees have to follow procedures set down by BUS.

Organisations offering
BUS Methodology,
Contact name: Richard Reid.

Usable Buildings (student licences only)
Contact name: Adrian Leaman.

BUS Methodology Partner Network
Contact individual organisations.