Evaluating the benefits of using the Building Code Calculator app for design educators and industry professionals

Abstract

Technology has transformed the field of interior design, improving efficiency through the use of digital tools. However, calculating building codes remains a complex, time-consuming, and error-prone task. Mobile apps have demonstrated their ability to facilitate complex tasks such as calculating clinical scoring systems and medication dosage in the medical field. Despite this potential, user-friendly solutions for building code compliance remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to explore the experiences and challenges faced by design professionals when working with building codes and to assess their willingness to adopt a new mobile app designed to help with building code calculations. Using a mixed-methods approach, 31 participants from the Midwest and South Central regions, including industry professionals and instructors, were interviewed about their experience with building codes. Participants were then introduced to the Building Code Calculator (BCC) app and surveyed using the innovation diffusion theory framework. The interviews revealed that professionals and students experience challenges with the current available resources and traditional calculation methods. Professionals also recognize the potential of the BCC app in improving efficiency and enhancing students’ learning. Survey results indicated strong agreement among instructors regarding the app’s relative advantage, image, ease of use, result demonstrability, visibility, and trialability, indicating a high willingness to adopt the tool. In addition, statistical analysis using the one-sample Wilcoxon test suggested a significant difference between the observed median and the hypothesized median for all survey questions. These findings suggest that the BCC app can potentially enhance efficiency in professional practice and serve as a teaching aid in classroom settings.

Keywords

Building code / Interior design / Cognitive load / Mobile app / Design tool / Digital tool

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