This communication describes the introduction of an optional subject in architecture degree studies. The subject was designed to teachbasic skills in the use and interpretation of data from portable electronic devices for quick,affordable measuresof variables that are relevant to the behaviour of buildings,such as light, sound, heat and humidity. Since 2010, this subject has been offered by the Department of Architectural Technology,Vallès School of Architecture (ETSAV),Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). The development of this experience has passed through several stages thathave all contributed to the creation of a model with sufficient maturity to be presented for discussion in the JIDA forum.