Final REVIEW RESEARCH PROJECT

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UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN

Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Review of Research Methods and Data Analysis for “Assessment of


Wayfinding System of Selected Libraries in Nigeria to Improve Navigability
in the Design of Public Library in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Review of Research Methods and Data Analysis For "Assessment of New


Building Technologies for Mixed Use Buildings” Ikoyi Lagos.

SUBMITTED BY

LAWAL YUSUF OLAITAN


UIL/PG2022/1039

TO

DR. (Arc) S. A Olaniyan

(Mentor-In-Charge)

MAY, 2024
Title: Review of Research Methods and Data Analysis for "Assessment of
Wayfinding System of Selected Libraries in Nigeria to Improve Navigability in
the Design of Public Library" in Osogbo, Nigeria.

Introduction
This review evaluates the research methods and data analysis methods used in the project
"Assessment of Wayfinding System of Selected Libraries in Nigeria to Improve Navigability in
the Design of Public Library" in Osogbo, Nigeria to examine the effectiveness of existing
wayfinding systems in selected libraries in Nigeria.

Background to the Study


The study focuses on the design of public library facilities and wayfinding systems to enhance user
navigation and information-seeking. Wayfinding refers to the process of establishing spatial
orientation and navigating within built environments. The research aims to identify users'
wayfinding requirements, routes, segments, and nodes within public libraries and evaluate existing
wayfinding information systems. The study employs a multi-method approach, including
document review, observation, and questionnaires, to gather users' and staff perspectives on
wayfinding systems and tools. The goal is to design public library facilities that support effective
wayfinding and information-seeking, enhancing the overall user experience.

Statement of the Research Problem


The problem is that research on public library facilities has overlooked the crucial aspect of
understanding how users navigate and orient themselves within the library. Previous studies have
focused on quantifying user distribution in different sections, but have not explored the
navigational processes used by users to reach their destinations. Effective wayfinding information
systems are essential to guide users and enhance their navigation experience. This study aims to
address this gap by investigating how to create effective wayfinding systems in public libraries,
making it easier for users to navigate and find the information they need.

Research Questions.
The following research questions guided the study:
1. To what extent are the wayfinding systems in Nigeria libraries effective?
2. What are the necessary facilities to be improved upon in order to ease users’ accessibility
and navigation within the library?
Aim & Objectives
This study aims to improve navigability in the design of a public library to ensure efficient usage.
The study's specific objectives are to:
1. Examine the effectiveness of existing wayfinding systems in selected libraries in Nigeria.
2. Appraise the facilities available in selected libraries in Nigeria.
3. Propose a design of Ata-oja Library, Osogbo.

Research Design:
Despite being designed for user navigation, public libraries often prioritize book storage over user
experience, leading to inefficient layouts. There is a lack of empirical research on public library
wayfinding and user navigation. To address this, a case study methodology was chosen, employing
a multimethod approach including document analysis, observation, questionnaires, and validation
review. This combination will provide a comprehensive understanding of user wayfinding in the
library entry area, offering a more complete picture than a single-method approach. However, more
advanced statistical techniques, such as correlation analysis or factor analysis, could have been
employed to identify patterns and relationships.

Data Collection Methods:


The study used a combination of observations, surveys, experiments, and interviews, which is a
strength. However, the reliance on self-reported data from the survey may have introduced some
bias. Observations could have been more extensive, and interviews could have been conducted
with a more diverse group of participants.

1. The data collection method is comprehensive and multifaceted, involving both physical
visits and online research
2. The use of specially designed field forms ensures systematic and detailed data collection
3. The evaluation criteria include relevant aspects of wayfinding design, energy efficiency,
and building facilities
4. The inclusion of secondary data collection ensures a more thorough analysis of
accessibility performance
5. The methodology appears well-suited for the research objectives, allowing for a detailed
and comparative analysis of public libraries' wayfinding design and accessibility features.
Research Population

1. The research population is well-defined and relevant to the study's objectives.


2. The selection of Ilorin public library and its neighborhood libraries is justified,
as it provides a suitable environment to explore wayfinding challenges.
3. The use of Purposive Sampling is appropriate for this case study, as it allows
for the selection of sample components with specific characteristics that align
with the research goals.
4. The study's potential to provide valuable insights into wayfinding in a
complex built environment is high.

Data Analysis Methods:


The data analysis method involved:

Content Analysis: used to analyze wayfinding tools found in documents and routes observed
during the study
Data Integration: used to combine and synthesize the data from various sources
Review:

i. The use of content analysis is appropriate for analyzing textual and visual data from
documents and observations
ii. The addition of data integration allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the data
by combining different data sources
iii. The analytic methodologies are well-suited for a case study design, allowing for an in-
depth examination of the wayfinding tools and routes in the public library
iv. The approach appears systematic and thorough, enabling the researcher to identify patterns,
themes, and insights into the library's wayfinding design and user navigation.
Ethical Considerations:
The study ensured confidentiality and anonymity of participants, adhering to ethical standards.
However, informed consent could have been obtained more explicitly, and participants' rights
could have been more clearly outlined.

Strengths and Limitations:

Strengths:
➢ Multimethod approach provided a comprehensive understanding
➢ Observations and interviews provided rich, qualitative insights
➢ Thematic analysis identified key themes and patterns

Limitations:
➢ Reliance on self-reported data
➢ Limited generalizability due to small sample size
➢ Lack of diversity in interview participants

Conclusion:
The study's research methods have both strengths and limitations. Future studies could improve
upon the design and data collection methods to provide more robust findings.

Recommendations:
➢ Use a mixed-methods approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data
➢ Employ more objective data collection methods (e.g., experimental design)
➢ Use more advanced statistical techniques to analyze data
➢ Increase sample size and diversity for greater generalizability

By evaluating the research methods used in this project, we can identify areas for improvement
and enhance the validity and reliability of future studies on wayfinding systems in libraries.
Title: Review of Research Methods and Data Analysis For "Assessment of New
Building Technologies for Mixed Use Buildings” Ikoyi Lagos.

Introduction
This review evaluates the research methods used in the project "Assessment of New Building
Technologies for Mixed-Use Buildings" to assess their strengths and limitations.

Background to the Study


Mixed-use construction combines two or more uses (residential, commercial, office, artistic, or
recreational) in one building, promoting sustainable development and urban revitalization. This
concept has been around since ancient times but has gained recent recognition for its benefits,
including:

i. Enhanced social, economic, and environmental sustainability


ii. Increased urban vibrancy and Pedestrian activity
iii. Reduced traffic and pollution
iv. Improved social cohesion and quality of life
v. Efficient use of urban space and reduced sprawl

However, mixed-use development success depends on careful consideration of factors such as:

i. Compatible mix of users


ii. Building architecture and design
iii. Convenient location with easy access to facilities and transit

By considering these factors, mixed-use projects can thrive and contribute to more sustainable and
vibrant urban environments.

Statement of the Research Problem


This research explores the understudied area of new building technology usability in mixed-use
buildings, which is crucial for enhancing sustainability and efficiency in urban development
globally, nationally, and locally. Previous research has focused on residential or commercial
buildings, neglecting the unique challenges of mixed-use structures. This study aims to address
this knowledge gap by providing comprehensive insights and actionable recommendations for
architects, urban planners, and policymakers, ultimately optimizing new building technologies in
mixed-use developments for diverse geographical
Research Question
1. How can new building technologies help to make mixed-use buildings more sustainable,
efficient, and resilient?

2. What are the economic and environmental benefits and drawbacks of using new building
technologies for mixed-use buildings?

3. How do regulatory frameworks and standards affect the usability of the materials and methods?

Aim and Objectives

Aim
To examine the usability of new building technologies in mixed-use buildings and to develop best
practices.

Objectives of the study


The objectives are to:

1. Examine new building technologies used in mixed-use building in Ikoyi, Nigeria


2. Identify the latest building technologies suitable for mixed-use buildings.
3. Determine the potential for scaling up the adoption of new building technologies in mixed-use
buildings.
4. Incorporate new building technologies in a mixed-use building Architectural Design in Ikoyi.

Research Design
The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative data.
This design is appropriate for exploring the complex aspects of new building technologies and
their applications in mixed-use buildings.

Data Collection Methods:


The study used a combination of literature reviews, case studies, and expert interviews. The
literature review provided a comprehensive overview of existing research, while the case studies
offered in-depth examinations of specific buildings. The expert interviews added valuable insights
from professionals in the field.

Data Analysis Methods:


The study employed thematic analysis for the qualitative data and descriptive statistics for the
quantitative data. The thematic analysis identified key themes and patterns, while the descriptive
statistics provided a quantitative summary of the data.

Strengths:
➢ Mixed-methods approach provided a comprehensive understanding
➢ Literature review and case studies provided a solid foundation for the research
➢ Expert interviews added valuable insights from professionals

Limitations:
➢ Small sample size for the case studies and expert interviews
➢ Limited generalizability due to the specific focus on mixed-use buildings
➢ Potential bias in the thematic analysis due to the subjective nature of the coding process

Conclusion:
The research methods used in this project were appropriate for exploring the complex aspects of
new building technologies in mixed-use buildings. The mixed-methods approach provided a
comprehensive understanding, and the combination of literature reviews, case studies, and expert
interviews offered a well-rounded perspective. However, the small sample size and limited
generalizability are limitations that should be considered in future research.

Recommendations:
➢ Increase the sample size for the case studies and expert interviews
➢ Expand the scope to include other types of buildings or contexts
➢ Use additional quantitative methods, such as statistical analysis, to complement the
thematic analysis.

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