Developing the practical construction of the QET
This article takes a first step toward the practical construction of the QET, to present an outline for future expansion. This first step mainly regards the development of environmental qualities. As the QET is intended to be used in EBD processes in healthcare settings, the environmental qualities are based on evidence-based research. Evidence that is useful in design processes is based on both quantitative and qualitative research (Viets, 2009). To increase the validity further, all evidence (i.e., environmental qualities) included in the present study is confirmed by multiple sources and originates either from international peer reviewed journals or from reputable scientific anthologies. However, credible evidence-based explanations are achieved only when they are based on good theoretical models (Giacomini, 2009). Hence, our aim is to integrate evidence based on field research (interventions, POEs, questionnaires, interviews, observations) with theories in health and design.