Performing data analysis

The qualitative data was analysed according to the techniques suggested by Collins (2010:170), by transcribing the audio records and notes into text

documents and reviewing them repeatedly to identify meaningful answers and to enable the capture of the main points raised during the conversations (see Appendix D for transcripts). In order to interpret the data, a series of categories were identified, which in turn enabled the sorting of information into those categories according to relationships between data sets. The information from participants was extracted from their repeated answers and similar experiences.

Some answers were general and predictable, but some were unexpected. Data analysis enabled this research to find ways to improve communication and workflow in the design process.

Significant answers informed the thinking behind the communication system design. Some of what the participants said was considered at the planning stage of the system. For example, participants were asked about the problems they encountered with architectural representation. One planner (P02AR) noted,

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“Sometimes architects do not choose the right viewpoint of the building. They are often too close to the building, so that they can’t see anything they want to see, particularly the mass of it.” According to this participant, planners can use an interactive 3D model to choose the viewpoint that they want to see emerge, which could solve this issue.

In addition, accessing work can be difficult because stakeholders use different software that is often incompatible. The idea of easy access was expanded when another planner mentioned the problems they had experienced:

P04DI: “What can be a problem is accuracy as there is too much artistic licence. Not a serious problem, but it is something that planning officers need to be aware of when they make a decision. Also, the council does not always have the greatest IT equipment. It is the disparity between the quality of the equipment that the design industries are working on and the computer that we use, which is not capable and makes it difficult to get some of the information from the same particular software (most CAD files need to be transferred to PDF).”

Therefore, the suggestion in this research, of easy access to exchanged information during the design process, is crucial for interactive communication systems. The following quotes by a planner and an engineer firmly support this idea because using incompatible software causes difficulty in accessing files.

The planner and engineer observed:

P02AR: “There is often the issue that we don’t have the same programme as architects have so we cannot view them.”

E01MT: “We use BIM but it is too expensive; that is why BIM is not used widely. BIM is very useful for mega-projects – public projects such as hospitals.”

This research initially focussed on 3D rendering models, based on the assumption that they would be most useful for presenting design work.

However, planners insist that 2D drawings should be included, as these are often used to make decisions. According to one planner (P02AR): “The image must be according to the drawings; the drawing is the basis for us to use to make decisions.”

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In the design process, communication between stakeholders is referred to as

‘external communication’, while ‘internal communication’ is that within the architectural firm. For architects, the types of architectural representation to include in the communication system cover a variety of media, as stated by one of the participants (A02PN): “I call planning external communication – we

submit 3D rendering, visualisation, elevations, sections and layout plans.”

Therefore, any improved communication system should include various types of media. Participants were asked if they were interested in employing 3D

representation through interactive media in the communication process, given that the stakeholders can interact with it. The following answers, one from a planner and one from an engineer, support the idea of using interactive media such as a website:

P02AR: “Yes, it is very helpful; we often have only drawings and static images – never fly-through 3D visuals. There is often the issue that we do not have the same programme as architects have so we cannot view them [3D visuals]. If they have programmes that we can change and see buildings from different viewpoints, that could be helpful.”

E03DE: “2D and 3D, they both have their play. I like the 2D to show where beam positions are and other details. But the 3D is very useful to see the relationship of the structure. Otherwise, we have not done many 3D so far.”

This view is also supported by one of the clients who, regarding the advantages of using 3D presentation, stated:

C01AD: “I think walking through can help to understand the design. It is quite difficult to imagine the size of the room and how people interact with it… I think the more chance people can talk on the construction and design process, the better you get what you want.”

Another architect (A02PN) agreed with this point of view when he stated: “Yes, interactive media is very useful. In the future, websites will be a very important tool.”

Given that the information gathered from the interviews is not merely based on personal opinions of the participants, but also extends to their experiences as

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part of their respective organisations, this gives more significance and weight to the answers given by individual interviewees. Using digital media in the design process was the focus of data collection and analysis. The three categories described earlier (benefits, problems and suggestions) were used to analyse the responses.