The development of the IDCM system

The data analysis has provided information for the researcher to design the system of communication. The attributes listed in Section 5.1.1 have been identified as a starting point of the IDCM system. The system has been designed to respond to real-time activities. Actions such as commenting, posting and tagging allow each stakeholder to give instant feedback to other stakeholders and keep them updated.

Figure 5.2 illustrates the generation of initial diagrams used in the development of the IDCM system, with the functions and relevant information identified after

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each category was connected. Within the design process, the system is

intended to help the user with the interface, navigations and functions within the web pages and to facilitate the planning of various relationships. Initially, the system was drawn up as a diagram, which was then translated into a mock-up that visualises the outline of data management and enables the users to

understand how the system works. The mock-up was required to communicate the design of the system to participants for generating and analysing feedback.

The challenges of designing the system included developing the right paths, and forming the correct sequence of communication, in a way that maximises dynamic interactions between stakeholders.

Figure 5.2: Users, actions and relationship paths (left) and the initial sketch of a hierarchy diagram (right)

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Figure 5.3: The process of developing the IDCM system and its design stages (see Appendix E for more information)

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Figure 5.3 shows the steps of the design process for the IDCM system. At the start of the process, the objective was to consider participants’ requirements in order to inform the design of the system. The design began with drawing an outline of communication, based on a traditional communication system in the design process. The next stage shows the addition of elements of dynamic communication referring to significant attributes of applications and websites (reviewed in Chapter 3). The diagrams were sketched (see Figure 5.4, stages 000–001) and reviewed in response to discussions with the research

participants, who are considered as stakeholders (see Figure 5.5, stages 002–

003).

Figure 5.4: The IDCM system design, stages 000–001

157 Figure 5.5: The IDCM system design, stages 002–003

Figure 5.6 shows two diagrams. Stage 004 demonstrates the system after revising paths and relationships according to the identified attributes and functionalities of the interactive communication system. Related to this, stage 005 shows the process of the system discourse, including the addition of content and clarification of functionalities.

Figure 5.6: The IDCM system design, stages 004–005

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In order to develop the proposal further, the researcher reviewed websites, applications and frameworks in a wider area of interest, not solely focusing on those relating to architecture (see Figure 5.7, stage 006). The review informed the research of significant attributes. Dropbox¹⁵and Facebook are examples of tools for sharing and accessing general information. Sketchfab¹⁶ and 3D

Warehouse are examples of tools for sharing 3D items. Moreover, applications which work on mobile devices were also reviewed such as iVisit and AutoCAD 360¹⁷, which were explored in terms of display of architectural representations and their interactions. Line and WhatsApp were used for designing the security system and setting group chat privacy. This was essential in the development of the IDCM system so that it would become a fully functioning platform for

interactive communication and continue to have the capacity to expand in the future (see Figure 5.8, stages 008–009).

Figure 5.7: The IDCM system design, stage 006–007

15 Dropbox is used as file host, working in a similar way to a hard drive. However, it is an online service.

It can be used to share files.

16 Sketchfab is used to publish, share and discover 3D content online and in virtual reality (VR).

17 A mobile application enables AutoCAD viewers to view, create, edit and share AutoCAD drawings.

159 Figure 5.8: The IDCM system design stage 008–009

The IDCM system includes dynamic relationships between users and design information. The system is a basic structure of web application that makes use of certain types of architectural representation tools such as interactive 3D models, 3D rendered images and 2D drawings, to suit the stakeholder

requirements, as revealed by the survey (see Chapter 4). In order to make this process trustworthy, it was necessary to explore methods that participants are currently using. The survey work carried out as part of this research shows that most architects and engineers are interested in working simultaneously on 2D drawing and 3D modelling. This has come about as a result of the introduction of building information modelling (BIM), which has impacted on the design workflow in architectural and engineering practices in recent years. Clients can better understand design in 3D modelling. Planners still work on 2D drawings, but they sometimes want 3D to see views of the building in context.

The data from the surveys show the types of architectural representation that architects provide for each stakeholder. This data has led to formulation of the issue underlying this research, namely that architects always provide

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architectural representations for stakeholders. To convey architectural designs, artists use media such as 3D rendering images, animations or 2D drawings.

These media are all delivered through a linear communication system (as previously discussed in Chapter 3). Hence, the idea of using a medium that supports dynamic communication has emerged. An interactive tool that

stakeholders can act upon via digital media would help to reduce difficulties and problems of user communication in the design process.

The design at each stage refers back to the literature review and data analysis that underpin the creation of the system. Figure 5.9 shows the relationship between the design and the research.

Figure 5.9: Relationships between research and design

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