Integrating Design and Construction with Wearable Computers

Abstract

Wearable computers can help bridge the gap between design and construction. They can integrate these traditionally separate cultures by improving the flow of information between them. Using a wearable computer, design and construction personnel can now exchange design information quickly and continuously between the point of work on the construction site and the remote design office. The improved iteration between design and construction and much stronger connection between design personnel and construction site afforded by wearable computers may point the way to a new kind of integrated architectural process. In this study, the goal was to determine the value of wearable computers in integrating design and construction by measuring specific performance characteristics. The results include findings on productivity, rework and communication quality. They reveal that wearable computers can improve communication quality and reduce rework, but may have an initially negative impact on productivity. These findings suggest that wearable computers may play a key role in future building projects, helping to bridge the current divide between design and construction.