Thermal simulation software outputs: patterns for decision making

This paper describes a structure that enables simulation software developers and building designers to produce thermal simulation results meaningful to design decision making. The structure is based on the development of 'patterns' in which analysis processes are applied to thermal simulation outputs to produce relevant information to inform design actions and decisions. A discussion is made on how the patterns can be developed and examples illustrate the suggested development process and generation of simulation outputs. The patterns are intended to bridge the gap between the needs of the designer for useful design oriented software, and the needs of the software developer for technical information on exactly what is required by the user.