Short answer
Designers and engineers should consider which of the three identified visions their projects or innovations best align with, and tailor their approach accordingly.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (2020)
- Method
- Qualitative Interview Study
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Innovation champions in construction envision digital transformation through three distinct lenses: efficiency, user-data-driven environments, and value-driven computational design. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2020 study published in Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. Using Qualitative interview study, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers and engineers should consider which of the three identified visions their projects or innovations best align with, and tailor their approach accordingly.
Three Visions for Digital Transformation in Construction
Innovation champions in construction envision digital transformation through three distinct lenses: efficiency, user-data-driven environments, and value-driven computational design.
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management · 2020
Key Findings
- 01Vision 1: Efficient Construction (focus on automation and process optimization)
- 02Vision 2: User-Data-Driven Built Environment (focus on IoT and big data for user needs)
- 03Vision 3: Value-Driven Computational Design (focus on advanced design and value creation)
Application
Design takeaway
Designers and engineers should consider which of the three identified visions their projects or innovations best align with, and tailor their approach accordingly.
How to apply
When developing new digital tools or strategies for construction, consider how they fit into the 'efficient construction,' 'user-data-driven,' or 'value-driven computational design' frameworks.
Project actions
- 01When researching a new technology, consider how it might contribute to one of these broader visions.
- 02Think about the stakeholders who would champion each vision and their motivations.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a structured way to understand complex future possibilities.
- +Grounded in practitioner perspectives.
Limitations
The visions are specific to the UK construction sector and may differ in other geographical or industry contexts.
Reliability & validity
The validity of the findings relies on the depth of the interviews and the accurate interpretation of practitioner narratives. Reliability may be limited due to the qualitative nature of the data.
Think critically
To what extent do these three visions represent a comprehensive view of digital transformation, and what other potential futures might emerge?
Design Principles
"Future-oriented design requires understanding and articulating multiple potential trajectories for technological integration."
Understanding these divergent visions is crucial for guiding strategic investments and development efforts in digital technologies within the construction sector. It highlights that a one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation is unlikely to be effective.
What This Means for Your Design
Experts in construction see digital technology changing their industry in three main ways: making things faster and cheaper, using data to make buildings better for people, or using smart design to create more value.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the three visions as a framework for analyzing the potential impact of your chosen technology or design solution.
- 2.Discuss how your design contributes to or challenges one or more of these future trajectories.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The digital transformation of the construction sector is not monolithic, with innovation champions framing the future through distinct visions such as 'efficient construction,' 'user-data-driven built environment,' and 'value-driven computational design.' These frameworks highlight differing priorities in technology adoption and strategic goals, influencing how digital solutions are developed and implemented.
Source
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
How Innovation Champions Frame the Future: Three Visions for Digital Transformation of Construction
journal · 2020
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about three visions for digital transformation in construction?
- Designers and engineers should consider which of the three identified visions their projects or innovations best align with, and tailor their approach accordingly. Evidence: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management (2020).
- Why does "Three Visions for Digital Transformation in Construction" matter for design?
- Understanding these divergent visions is crucial for guiding strategic investments and development efforts in digital technologies within the construction sector. It highlights that a one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation is unlikely to be effective.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers and engineers should consider which of the three identified visions their projects or innovations best align with, and tailor their approach accordingly.
- What were the main findings?
- Vision 1: Efficient Construction (focus on automation and process optimization). Vision 2: User-Data-Driven Built Environment (focus on IoT and big data for user needs). Vision 3: Value-Driven Computational Design (focus on advanced design and value creation)
- What research method was used?
- Qualitative Interview Study.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2020 journal from Journal of Construction Engineering and Management.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing new digital tools or strategies for construction, consider how they fit into the 'efficient construction,' 'user-data-driven,' or 'value-driven computational design' frameworks.
- What are the limitations?
- The visions are based on practitioner narratives and may not encompass all possible future scenarios or technological advancements.