Over the years, we’ve found a few key things can really help institutions to get the most out of their space utilisation survey.
🔍 Determine your objective(s)
⏰Choose the right time slots
Consider your objectives and whether evenings or less-used times (5-6, Weds afternoon) will provide data that can inform opportunities for improvement. We recommend institutions include all of their core teaching hours as a minimum (check with your timetabling team and/or policy for confirmation on what these are).
⭕ Avoid activity changeovers
Capture data at the right times (often, but not always, between 10 past the hour and 10 to the next hour). Make sure it reflects your actual timetabling periods, avoiding changeovers that can distort the data.
📅Select a typical week
Avoid half term or any other week that could be regarded as unusual. You want to avoid the potential for there being 'reasons' why the data you collect may not reflect typical practices.
🏢 Capture all teaching spaces
🧪 Consider specialist spaces
👥 Manage your survey team
🚀 Act quickly with a clear action plan
📈 Use the data to inform strategic decisions
By following these steps, you can ensure your survey drives meaningful results that benefit your university in the long run, and that you get a return on your space utilisation survey investment.