Short answer
Prioritize addressing 'performance' and 'security' barriers when planning Digital Twin integration in construction to maximize its sustainability benefits.
- Field
- Innovation & Design
- Source
- Sustainable Cities and Society (2023)
- Method
- Mixed-methods research
- Sample
- 108 participants
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Significant barriers exist in adopting Digital Twins within the building and construction sector, impeding their full potential to support sustainability pillars. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Sustainable Cities and Society. Using Mixed-methods research with 108 participants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize addressing 'performance' and 'security' barriers when planning Digital Twin integration in construction to maximize its sustainability benefits.
Digital Twin implementation barriers hinder sustainability in construction
Significant barriers exist in adopting Digital Twins within the building and construction sector, impeding their full potential to support sustainability pillars.
Sustainable Cities and Society · 2023
Key Findings
- 0145 distinct barriers to Digital Twin implementation were identified.
- 02Barriers cluster into six main categories, with 'performance' and 'security' being the most prominent.
- 03The social dimension of sustainability is least supported by current Digital Twin implementation strategies.
Application
Design takeaway
Prioritize addressing 'performance' and 'security' barriers when planning Digital Twin integration in construction to maximize its sustainability benefits.
How to apply
When proposing or implementing Digital Twin solutions in construction, conduct a thorough barrier analysis and develop mitigation plans, paying special attention to performance and security aspects.
Project actions
- 01When researching a new technology for your design project, look for common problems that stop people from using it.
- 02Consider how a technology's limitations might affect its ability to achieve broader goals, like sustainability.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive identification and categorization of barriers.
- +Focus on the intersection of technology adoption and sustainability.
Limitations
The barriers identified might be very specific to the construction industry and the region studied. Other industries or regions might face different or additional challenges.
Reliability & validity
The use of expert interviews and a mixed-methods approach enhances the reliability and validity of the identified barriers. However, the specific context of Hong Kong may limit generalizability.
Think critically
To what extent do the identified barriers to Digital Twin implementation reflect broader challenges in adopting any complex digital technology in traditional industries?
Design Principles
"Technological adoption for sustainability requires a holistic approach that accounts for implementation challenges across all facets of a project."
Understanding and addressing these implementation challenges is crucial for leveraging Digital Twin technology to achieve more sustainable outcomes in construction projects. This requires a strategic approach to overcome obstacles related to technology, data, and organizational practices.
What This Means for Your Design
It's hard to use new digital tools like 'Digital Twins' in building projects because of problems like old systems, unsure data, and bad internet. These problems stop the tools from helping make projects more eco-friendly and good for people.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this research when discussing the challenges of implementing innovative technologies in your design project, especially if your project involves digital tools or sustainability goals.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the implementation of advanced digital technologies, such as Digital Twins in the construction sector, faces significant barriers. These obstacles, including issues with legacy systems, data uncertainty, and connectivity, can impede the technology's ability to contribute effectively to sustainability goals. Therefore, a critical aspect of design practice involves anticipating and mitigating these challenges to ensure successful adoption and realization of intended benefits.
Source
Sustainable Cities and Society
Modelling the relationship between digital twins implementation barriers and sustainability pillars: Insights from building and construction sector
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about digital twin implementation barriers hinder sustainability in construction?
- Prioritize addressing 'performance' and 'security' barriers when planning Digital Twin integration in construction to maximize its sustainability benefits. Evidence: Sustainable Cities and Society (2023).
- Why does "Digital Twin implementation barriers hinder sustainability in construction" matter for design?
- Understanding and addressing these implementation challenges is crucial for leveraging Digital Twin technology to achieve more sustainable outcomes in construction projects. This requires a strategic approach to overcome obstacles related to technology, data, and organizational practices.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Prioritize addressing 'performance' and 'security' barriers when planning Digital Twin integration in construction to maximize its sustainability benefits.
- What were the main findings?
- 45 distinct barriers to Digital Twin implementation were identified.. Barriers cluster into six main categories, with 'performance' and 'security' being the most prominent.. The social dimension of sustainability is least supported by current Digital Twin implementation strategies.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods research with 108 participants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Sustainable Cities and Society.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When proposing or implementing Digital Twin solutions in construction, conduct a thorough barrier analysis and develop mitigation plans, paying special attention to performance and security aspects.
- What are the limitations?
- The study's findings are specific to the Hong Kong building and construction sector and may not be universally applicable without further validation.