Pre and post occupancy evaluations have been undertaken for commercial and residential premises. In pre occupancy evaluation, social research methods and concepts are used to identify and understand what the requirements are for the use of architectural spaces amongst potential occupants. This information is used directly by architects and designers to develop spaces which match the needs and requirements of potential users.
In post occupancy evaluations, social research methods are again used, however in this case they are used to assess how new users and occupants interact and evaluate the architectural spaces they use. This information is used to either modify designs or to inform later design criteria.