MyComfort App: the application of personal thermal comfort models for older people in an online mobile tool
Date
2024
Authors
Arakawa Martins, L.
Soebarto, V.
Williamson, T.
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Conference paper
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Proceedings of the 56th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA 2023) : Architectural Science and User Experience: Sustainability and Health: the nexus of carbon neutral architecture and well-being, 2024, vol.3, pp.536-549
Statement of Responsibility
Larissa Arakawa Martins, Veronica Soebarto and Terence Williamson
Conference Name
56th International Conference of the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA) (29 Nov 2023 - 2 Dec 2023 : University of Tasmania, Launceston, Australia)
Abstract
By analysing datasets at the individual level, personal thermal comfort models help to unmask the differences between individuals in an environment, enabling a better understanding of specific comfort needs and collecting diagnostic information to identify user acceptability problems. This information, in turn, can be applied in the decision-making process involved in optimizing thermal environments to improve comfort satisfaction and energy efficiency. In this context, this paper investigates the application of personal thermal comfort models in a mobile tool and discusses the tool’s benefits in aiding the adaptation of older people’s environments to increase their comfort. MyComfort App is based on a study of 28 personal comfort models for a subset of older South Australians, who participated in a house environmental monitoring in 2019. The App uses individualized machine learning models to allow the automatic calculation of thermal preference for the older individuals. This online user interface provides personal thermal comfort prediction as well as a catalogue of strategies related to personal actions, technology, building operation and design, which could aid the control and adaptation of older person’s environments. Testing the App on one personal thermal comfort model proved to be successful in allowing the accessible and automatic calculation of thermal preference for the selected participants. Although still not validated by the end users, the App shows potential to aid designers in the decision-making process, as well as guide caregivers to anticipate needs and control of thermal environments independently.
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© 2023 and published by the Architectural Science Association (ANZAScA).