How can having real-life data change the way we design or plan?<\/p>\n
When I worked as an architect, I designed workplaces based on assumptions and previous experience, considering the client\u2019s wants and needs. What would have happened if I had developed my design by studying actual behavioral and performance data?<\/p>\n
The Lunchroom Table Case Study<\/h2>\n
Several case studies show how collecting and analyzing behavioral data with digital sensors and other technologies can yield surprising insights. For example, some case studies<\/a> have confirmed that the size of the lunchroom tables in a company canteen correlates with office workers\u2019 productivity.<\/p>\n Big tables enable more interactions to happen between workers during the lunch break. The positive impact on productivity has been measured to be up to 10%!<\/p>\n In other words, a simple design choice of table size can directly impact a company\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\n Real-life behavioral data is also critical in improving productivity on construction sites.<\/p>\n Aalto University\u2019s researchers\u00a0collected HVACE installation data<\/a> using hardhat video cameras, indoor positioning technology, interviews, and surveys.<\/p>\n The data-backed conclusion was that HVACE workers used barely 20% of their work time for installations (Figure 1). For example, material handling (long and short distance) takes over 10% of the workers\u2019 time on the jobsite. Providing the necessary materials at the right time and place could increase productivity by 50%.<\/p>\n Humanyze, a people analytics company, has analyzed office worker behavior and its outcomes. In a project<\/a> with a Japan-based tech company, they collected data from its IT, HR, and real estate functions over four weeks.<\/p>\n The analysis revealed that only certain types of collaboration significantly influenced performance. Analysis of face-to-face and digital collaboration revealed that salespeople who regularly interacted with sales engineers at the office were much more likely to perform better.<\/p>\n So, if analyzing real-life data is valuable, how can we start doing it systematically?<\/p>\n In a recent WDBE Talks podcast episode<\/a>, I interviewed Amy Peck<\/strong>, CEO at Endeavor XR, and Mark Bryan<\/strong>, Senior Foresight Manager at Future Today Institute. They discussed the upcoming technology super cycle, which will bring advancements in AI, biotechnology, and IoT sensors.<\/p>\n Both speakers underscored the need for the AEC industry to leverage digital twins<\/em> to understand human experiences and behaviors in spaces. By collecting and analyzing data on how people interact with various environments, companies can design spaces that cater to individuals\u2019 needs and preferences.<\/p>\n Social media users seem comfortable sharing their personal lives with large tech companies. However, people have become much more concerned about privacy in workplaces.<\/p>\n In the WDBE Talks discussion, the interviewees emphasized the importance of finding ways to share sanitized information. The goal, after all, is not to spy on individuals but to improve well-being, safety, and productivity.<\/p>\n I wish designers, planners, and decision-makers would use more data instead of basing their choices on opinions and assumptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nDiscovering jobsite productivity killers<\/h2>\n
![\"HVAC](\"https:\/\/aec-business.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/HVAC-installation-productivity.png\")
Office interactions analyzed<\/h2>\n
The following technology super cycle is about data<\/h2>\n
Do you dare to collect and use data?<\/h2>\n