CONTEXT
Research Insights that matters
PRECONCEPTION :
Before conducting research, we assumed that a lab required tight safety protocols and standard operating procedures because of the pandemic. Also, everyone working in the lab would have good knowledge of engines and hands-on experience with the experiments. Lastly, COVID-19 would have had a significant impact on the functioning of the lab.
However, AECL has an opposite environment, unlike our stereotyped expectations of the lab. Individuals differed in safety, work schedules, the engagement level of students, and even knowledge.
Shadowing / Space Mapping / 4 User Diaries / 6 User Interviews
1. Individual routines affect students’ engagement
Space can be utilized as much as the users understand it. Students show a big difference in their understanding and participation in the lab. In addition, the complex arrangement inside the lab reduces the usability of the space, which in turn acts as a factor that continuously weakens the accessibility of students with low involvement. Therefore, participation in the space can be increased for students not related to the experiment by facilitating other uses such as meetings.
2. Uneven safety training level causes urgent lab emergency
Because of the range of backgrounds of the users of the lab, their level of safety training, and knowledge of safety procedures also varies greatly. While the PhD students are required to take an intense safety training course, other students are given an onboarding by the RAs, or learn from shadowing those already working in the lab.
3. Inconsistency in storage and unorganized equipment consequently delays the process
The lab is a revolving door. With a mix of PhD’s, Graduate and Undergraduate students using the space, the time any single person is associated with the lab ranges from one semester (undergrad) to a maximum of 4 years (PhD Student).
With Dr Hall being the only permanent fixture, it is important to develop a set of “Standard Operating Procedures” and ensure consistency in storage and organisation of equipment. This will reduce delays, reduce mistakes and accidents, and in the long run will ensure smoother transfer of knowledge from one batch to the next.
“ Messy Organized, Controlled Chaos, The mess in the lab is disturbing ”
“ I’m not OCD but disorder disturbs the way you work ”
4. Monotonized environment between labs prevents effective sharing
Finding the lab was difficult due to “ The infinite corridor syndrome .”
The RE building is a place conducting exciting and innovative research. But the basement space lacks any character, or identifying information.
“Downstairs (eng. building) everything looks the same, so to not get lost I take the same route every time. The Architecture of the Basement can feel isolating”
