A framework for ad hoc information management for the building design process

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1034-1052
Author(s):  
Jeevan Jacob ◽  
Koshy Varghese
Keyword(s):  
Information Management ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Informed Decision ◽  
Design Processes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Informal Information

Purpose The building design processes today are complex, involving many disciplines and issues like collaboration, concurrency and collocation. Several studies have focused on understanding and modeling formal information exchange in these processes. Few past studies have also identified the importance of informal information exchanges in the design process and proposed passive solutions for facilitating this exchange. The purpose of this paper is to term the informal information as ad hoc information and explores if components of ad hoc information exchanges can be actively managed. Design/methodology/approach An MDM-based framework integrating product, process and people dependencies is proposed and a prototype platform to implement this framework is developed. The demonstration on the usage of this platform to identify information paths during collaboration and hence manage ad hoc information exchanges is presented through an example problem. Findings Based on the effectiveness of the prototype platform in identifying information paths for design queries, it is concluded that the proposed framework is useful for actively managing some components of ad hoc information exchange. Originality/value This research enables the design manager/participants to make a more informed decision on requesting and releasing design information.

Walkability evaluation of building circulation based on user preference

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiqing Fu ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Carol K.H. Hon
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Group Decision ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Evaluation Framework ◽  
User Preference ◽  
User Characteristics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Evaluation Approach ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeBuilding circulation has an important impact on human comfort of buildings and is one of the critical factors in building design. A quantitative walkability evaluation of building circulation can benefit both building design and operation. However, indoor walkability of building circulation is determined not only by objective path features but also by subjective user preference. How to incorporate the preference from a large group of users into the design process is still a challenging issue.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a participatory framework of indoor path walkability evaluation based on user preference. Hierarchical indicators are developed to objectively measure indoor path features. Furthermore, group decision-making theory is adopted to aggregate individual user preference into user common preference for determining the relative indicator weights. Finally, integrated walkability scores (IWSs) are calculated to evaluate indoor path walkability quantitatively.FindingsA total of three case scenarios demonstrate that the proposed evaluation framework provides an efficient way for designers and owners to measure user preference quantitatively, analyze building circulations based on user preference and compare the walkability of different building design schemes.Practical implicationsThe developed methods provide an efficient way for designers and owners to measure user preference quantitatively, analyze building circulations based on user preference and compare the walkability of different building design schemes.Originality/valueThis study develops a comprehensive and quantitative walkability evaluation approach that considers both objective path features and subjective user preference derived from user characteristics and walking purposes, which provides an effective way to incorporate user feedback into the building design process and operation.

Sensor e-textiles: person centered co-design for people with late stage dementia

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 76-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Treadaway ◽  
Gail Kenning
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Late Stage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Sensory Properties ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Grounded Practical Theory ◽  
The Moment

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present design research investigating the development of sensory textiles with embedded electronics to support the wellbeing of people with late stage dementia in residential care. Design/methodology/approach – The research presented is qualitative and uses a mixed method approach informed by grounded practical theory and positive design methodologies. It uses an inclusive and participatory co-design process involving people with dementia and their families with an interdisciplinary team of experts. Findings – Both the co-design process and the artefacts developed have been beneficial in supporting wellbeing. The textile artefacts have been found to soothe, distract and comfort people with dementia. They have also been shown to facilitate in the moment conversational bridges between family members and carers with persons with dementia. Research limitations/implications – The findings are based on a small cohort of participants, observational reports and descriptive accounts from family members and carers. Practical implications – The paper proposes ways in which simple hand-crafted textiles can be used beneficially to support the wellbeing of people with late stage dementia. It provides examples of how technology can be used to personalise and extend the sensory properties of the artefacts created. Social implications – It promotes an inclusive co-design methodology involving care professionals, carers and people with dementia with designers and technologists. Originality/value – The paper describes new ways of extending sensory properties of textiles through the integration of technology.

Teamwork of temporary employees: multiple perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-14
Author(s):  
Saikat Chakraborty ◽  
Sushmita Chakravarti
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Informed Decision ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Temporary Employees ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Permanent Employees ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to understand the teamwork of temporary employees by taking into consideration the impact and role of the management’s perspective, temporary employee’s perspective and contextual perspective. Design/methodology/approach Based on reviews of workplace literature pertaining to temporary employments, conversations with managers and temporary and permanent employees of organizations engaging temporary employees on a perennial basis have been thematically analyzed. Findings Multiple perspectives of teamwork of temporary employees exist in organizations. However, one rarely finds the interaction and collective treatment of these perspectives, which are critical to understanding teamwork of temporary employees. The paper reports on these perspectives. Practical implications With rise in temporary employments in organizations and teamwork being crucial to participative work cultures, organizations need to consider multiple perspectives of the phenomenon before making an informed decision. Originality/value There is limited research that delves into teamwork of temporary employees despite the phenomenon becoming increasingly significant in organizations. This paper offers an approach to look at teamwork of temporary employees through multiple perspectives.

The portrayal of Australian women in property publications

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hera Antoniades ◽  
Clive M.J. Warren
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Valuable Insight ◽  
Gender Inequity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Promote Gender Equality ◽  
Management Roles ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to undertake an analysis of the visual portrayal of women published in a professional journal within the built environment and to establish whether or not there is gender stereotyping through these published images. Design/methodology/approach A prominent property professional industry journal was selected for the research analysis. This journal was selected because of the national coverage within Australia and high prominence within the property industry. The analysis focused on a total of 166 pictures in the 2015 issues. The coding identified the publication year, issue number and page number of each photograph analysed and total number of pictures on each page. After this information was tabulated, each photograph was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Findings The research identified that given the opportunity to be photographed ad hoc, women tend to take the dominant stance and yet when the pictures were posed, the women showed a tendency to adopt a submissive stance. Male images were 13.39 per cent in the dominance category indicating a higher score in comparison to females at 3.45 per cent. Practical implications Whilst it is generally accepted that there are more males in the built environment, the reality leans towards the notion that with less woman on property boards and management roles, it will be difficult to portray women in positions of authority and to balance the gender portrayal. In summary, the marginalisation of women is evident, and marketing media can be highly influential and unintentionally promote gender inequity with image portrayal. Originality/value This research provides a valuable insight on how women are portrayed in the property profession. The property industry and the professional bodies can provide an influential role to promote gender equality.

Coordinating humanitarian information

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea H. Tapia ◽  
Edgar Maldonado ◽  
Louis‐Marie Ngamassi Tchouakeu ◽  
Carleen F. Maitland
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Organizational Change ◽  
Information Management ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Humanitarian Relief ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Technical Sense ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Humanitarian Information ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine two humanitarian information coordination bodies. The goals of both coordination bodies are the same, to find mechanisms for multiple organizations, engaged in humanitarian relief, to coordinate efforts around information technology and management. Despite the similarity in goals, each coordination body has taken a different path, one toward defining the problem and solution in a more technical sense and the other as defining the problem and solution as more organizational in nature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops case studies of two coordinating bodies using qualitative methodologies.FindingsThe data suggest that coordination bodies which pursue problems requiring low levels of organizational change are more likely to have visible successes. Coordination bodies that pursue a more challenging agenda, one that aims for information management or management of information technology in ways that require organizational change, are likely to face greater challenges and experience more failures.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper only examines two coordination bodies at one point in time thus claims can not be made about all coordination bodies and all information coordination efforts.Originality/valueIn a time where coordination bodies are seen as an answer to the problem of information sharing during disasters, it is essential to gain understanding concerning the success of these efforts.

Energy consultants calculating sustainability for residential buildings

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (11/12) ◽  
pp. 825-838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger Andre Søraa ◽  
Håkon Fyhn ◽  
Jøran Solli
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Building Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of a particular energy calculator in enhancing the energy efficiency of existing homes by asking how this calculator was developed and how it is domesticated by craftspeople working as energy consultants.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on qualitative interviews with users and producers of the energy calculator (n= 22), as well as participation in energy consultation training.FindingsThe paper finds that, in the energy calculator, there is a striking lack of connection between the domestication and script because of lack of energy consultants’ involvement in the design and implementation process.Practical implicationsThe enrolment of energy consultants as energy calculator users earlier in and throughout the design process could be valuable in making the transition to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building sector.Social implicationsThe paper argues for recognition of the role of energy consultants, especially craftspeople, as participants in the design process for tools of governance. This is a call to acknowledge the value of particular skills and experiences possessed by craftspeople doing home consultation.Originality/valueBy understanding the intricate developer–user synchronicity in tools developed for upgrading the building sector, energy mitigation can be made more effective.

scholarly journals Participatory design of healthcare technology with children

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-27
Author(s):  
Tara Sims
Keyword(s):  
Product Design ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Participatory Design ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Upper Limb Prostheses ◽  
Sociocultural Approach ◽  
Design Skills

Purpose There are many frameworks and methods for involving children in design research. Human-Computer Interaction provides rich methods for involving children when designing technologies. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This paper examines various approaches to involving children in design, considering whether users view children as study objects or active participants. Findings The BRIDGE method is a sociocultural approach to product design that views children as active participants, enabling them to contribute to the design process as competent and resourceful partners. An example is provided, in which BRIDGE was successfully applied to developing upper limb prostheses with children. Originality/value Approaching design in this way can provide children with opportunities to develop social, academic and design skills and to develop autonomy.

The effects of COVID-19 on small and medium-sized enterprises: empirical evidence from Jordan

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tala Abuhussein ◽  
Husam Barham ◽  
Saheer Al-Jaghoub
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Internal Communication ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Factual Data

Purpose The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in sudden changes in the macro environment and market behaviour, making most enterprises urgently reconfigure their business models to cope with changes following the COVID-19 outbreak. This paper aims to present empirical data on the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the initial conclusions regarding their crisis management. It presents factual data on how SMEs in Jordan can use entrepreneurship to combat uncertainty and promote new opportunities. Design/methodology/approach This study involves an exploratory qualitative research design, drawing from 32 semi-structured interviews of key informants from Jordanian SMEs in different stages of the crisis. The different coping strategies of the SMEs and their effectiveness in the first six months of the pandemic are then compared. Findings The findings show how Jordanian SMEs have adapted to cope with the changes in the business environment because of COVID-19. These strategies include modifying their operations that is moving from an ordinary business model to more tentative digitalisation, improving internal communication and restructuring ad hoc organisational culture. Originality/value The study presents important and timely implications for managers of Jordanian SMEs and policymakers by increasing the sensitisation and awareness of SMEs’ coping mechanisms. It is the first study in management that empirically analyses the impact of COVID-19 on Jordanian SMEs.

Design Actor-Based Representation of Iterative Design Process for Embodiment Design

1994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Soo Ahn ◽  
Kyihwan Park ◽  
Richard H. Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Disk Drive ◽  
Functional Dependencies ◽  
Design Processes ◽  
Feedback Information ◽  
Iterative Design ◽  
Embodiment Design ◽  
Optical Disk Drive

Abstract Design activities consists not only of product design, but also of development of the process by which the product will be designed. However, development and documentation of computational design processes are largely unsupported by commercial CAD systems. This paper proposes a new computational architecture for procedural representation of embodiment design processes. A design actor is defined as an independent computational unit of the design process. The proposed architecture models a design process as a sequence of design tasks by representing individual parameters and tasks as design actors, and the sequence of design tasks as a network of design actors assembled according to their functional dependencies. The use of design actors promotes modularity in representing design problems and solution processes. Iterative design processes can be represented since the architecture provides explicit feedforward and feedback information exchange between design actors. The paper describes an object-oriented implementation of the design actor architecture, and demonstrates the approach with an example design of an air-core solenoid in an optical disk drive.

Leaning into sustainability at University of Alberta Libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Beasley ◽  
Trish Rosseel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Staff Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Staffing Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study that considers the links between cost avoidance, lean design, and sustainability in relation to two different library projects at University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) – the design of the Research and Collections Resource Facility and the development of new fee-based library services at UAL’s John W. Scott Health Sciences Library. Design/methodology/approach – This case study describes the analysis of each project’s workflows in relation to lean design in order to enhance processes and service delivery. Findings – Findings to date in both of these ongoing projects suggest that consideration of the lean philosophy has already led to process and service improvements. With regard to the new building design project, revised task design is already resulting in significant savings in staff time, and work space. And the staffing model for fee-based specialized services has already been redesigned, an alignment with lean principles. Research limitations/implications – While this paper does discuss and define lean design, it does not provide a comprehensive summary of research in this area. Originality/value – This paper highlights the value of lean design as a framework for designing, developing, and reviewing academic library buildings, services, processes, and workflows to ensure they are sustainable.

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