Research-based design also known as evidence-based design (EBD) is a positive trend in the interior design industry that professionals may not realize the benefits of using (Cama, 2011; Hamilton & Watkins, 2009; Huffcut, 2010; Martin, & Guerin, 2005). One potential benefit to using research-based design is the enhancement of the interior designer’s reputation. The interior design industry has focused on research-based design to “legitimize and sustain the profession, expand a body of knowledge, and increase professional recognition” (Karpan, 2005). Another benefit to research-based design is the augmentation of decision making. Entrepreneurs have found that this form of research empowers them in the decision making process (O’Connor & Ramos, 2006). These benefits have indicated that designers using EBD will have a positive effect.

This study compared the measurement of empowerment as the dependent variable (DV) or expected outcome with the measurement of researched design as the independent variable (IV) or what was being manipulated in this study. The survey sample was diverse around the USA, and representative of the professional interior design industry. This study filled much needed gaps in available research in terms of reaching beyond healthcare designers to understand the use of evidence-based design. The added comparison of empowerment concepts showed to what extent using evidence based can have on personal empowerment, and self-efficacy. This study demonstrated the potential advantages of using EBD.