One Research Line, Two Fields, Three Phases and a Hiatus

The Production of Built Environment Ergonomics at PPErgo UFPE (2015–2025)

Abstract

This article maps and critically analyzes recent trends in research on the Ergonomics of the Built Environment, based on a comprehensive examination of master’s theses developed within the research line Ergonomics and Usability of the Built Environment and Systems (Line 1) of the Professional Graduate Program in Ergonomics at the Federal University of Pernambuco (PPErgo/UFPE). A corpus of 40 theses produced between 2015 and 2025 was analyzed. Employing a bibliometric approach combined with qualitative analysis, the study explores data concerning the overall research output of Line 1, with particular emphasis on works focused on the Built Environment. It also considers the students’ prior educational backgrounds and the academic engagement of faculty members. The findings reveal that the production in the Built Environment field has unfolded across four distinct phases, with a consolidated tradition in the thematic areas of ergonomic evaluation, accessibility, and environmental perception. Furthermore, the study identifies the recurrent application of specific methodological frameworks, notably MEAC, multimethod approaches, and Facet Theory.