A mapping approach to investigating information and communication technology implementation during the building design process

Building design is a complex process that involves multi-disciplinary professionals working together throughout the multi-processes of a project. The success of this process is highly dependent on effective communication and adequate information flow; any incorrect or inadequate information flow will result in a failure in project management. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been implemented and integrated into many of the individual processes of building design, but little is known of the extent and intensity of ICT implementation. Nor is there any clear indication about where future development might occur. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate an ICT implementation map, focusing on the usage level, the impact, barriers and other issues of ICT implementation during the building design process for current practice, and to predict future trends over the following five years (2005 to 2009). Five 'strands' for the research were identified and discussed: the existing information management and communication during the building design process; to what extent design professionals adopt ICT in their daily routine; the impact of technology; the barriers to the implementation of technology; existing communication problems faced by design team members during the building design process; and the techniques and tools used during the building design process. IDEF0 process mapping software was used to map the building design process for traditional contract procurement projects (design-bid-construct). The process map was further tested by four rounds of Delphi survey. Data collected from the four rounds of Delphi survey were adapted in proposing an 'ICT Implementation Map during the Building Design Process' (for current usage and in five years time). The proposed ICT Implementation Map was tested and further improved through interviews with three experts. The findings of the research support its aim and objectives and demonstrate that advances in technology have increased the efficiency and effectiveness of building design process management. Moreover, the proposed maps provide a baseline for design professionals or decision makers when asked to adopt new technologies to facilitate the design process.