CBIMS Manager
CBIMS Manager is a desktop application for architects, real estate companies, and government building reviewers to check digital 3D models. This solution achieved a remarkable 77% decrease in customer service rate and delivered an average 75% reduction in client expenditure.
Company
Tsinghua University School of Software
04.2021 - Ongoing
Contribution
Expanded the application with 4 additional 3D checking features
Established a consistent design system for sustainable development
Achievements
Won the Best Technology Solution award at BuildingSMART 2023
Employed by over 200 companies
Old Experience
What is the existing solution?
The existing product only includes 1 checking feature, which is the model quality checking.
By using this module, users can easily check if a 3D model follows all the modeling rules, for example, if the building components are colored correctly or have correct properties.
However, this feature is not enough for most users.
Existing Model Quality Checking Interface
Who are the users?
Among all the stakeholders that are involved in the architecture lifecycle, there are several potential users of this model-checking product. Potential users come from 3 aspects: architecture, government, and construction.
The ones that are the most closely related to the building checking features are:
Architects | Regulation Makers | Constructors | Real Estate Company
What do users need?
I interviewed the 4 types of target users and concluded their pain points. The current model-checking process is manual and repetitive for all the target users. The design solution needs to meet the needs of all the stakeholders while maintaining a consistent logic so that users can easily navigate between different checking processes.
Context
What is the lifecycle of a 3D model?
The lifecycle of a digital 3D architecture building from the design phase to the operational phase is long and complex.
Each model has to go through multiple rounds of checking in this lifecycle. After research, the following 4 types of checking are needed the most by architects:
Model Quality Checking | Regulation Checking | Collision Checking | Point Cloud Checking
Research
HMW
How might we meet the needs of different stakeholders for each checking tool?
How might we use a consistent design system for all checking tools?
Solution
To approach the different user needs of the 4 checking tools, I analyzed the complexity level of each step.
Building Code Checking
Challenges
Building code rules are very complex and usually takes several days for professionals to edit the complete ruleset.
Depending on the building settings, for example, the number of stories and maximum occupancy, the ruleset can be differently applied to the 3D model.
Opportunities
This is the first digital building code-checking tool in the market. Compared to manual code checking, digital checking saves the budget by 60~70%.
Challenge: Finding the right ruleset
Rather than requiring users to manually customize building code rulesets within the application, building code rulesets can be accessed through an online library or local uploads.
USER SCENARIO
Users encounter challenges when attempting to customize building code rulesets. The abundance of online resources further complicates the process, making it difficult to identify the correct set that aligns with the desktop software.
SOLUTION
To address these issues, the desktop application now features an integrated online ruleset library, encompassing all resources from the CBIMS website. I've also improved user navigation by categorizing rulesets with color coding and distinguishing between national and district regulations.
Solution
There are 4 types of model checkers in C-BIMS Manager. They are different in multiple dimensions. The design solution has to include the differences and create a design system to unite all features.
Collision Checking
Challenges
Compared with building code rulesets, the collision checking ruleset complexity varies. Users need a way to easily start the process by setting one number and reviewing all collisions between two 3D models. The user flow needs to include an intuitive starting point.
Users also need a way to set up more complex rulesets, for example, soft collisions or hard collisions. The design solution needs to provide enough flexibility.
Opportunities
The ruleset process will differentiate this application from other common collision-checking tools in the market. From user research, 92% of target users expressed their need for ruleset editing.
Challenge: Include detailed settings
Users typically start with a single number. Nevertheless, there is a need for greater customization.
USER SCENARIO
In the user scenario, I've identified a common challenge: most users require tailored collision rulesets. However, the cognitive load is overwhelming if they manage all the detailed factors from the beginning.
SOLUTION
To address this issue effectively, I structured the solution around two primary functional requirements: customizable fast check and preset ruleset check. Within the first tab, users have the flexibility to initiate the experience rapidly by entering a single number or opening the drawer to include more comprehensive details.
Solution
Point Cloud Checking
Challenges
Point cloud models are made of 3D-scanned points, the cloud looks distracting and can overlap with each other. Reading a clear result is critical to users, especially when checking point cloud results, users need to keep an overall understanding of the entire model, while reviewing the details of the specific component.
Opportunities
In most construction review processes, each type of component has a different threshold. A clear viewport ensures accurate result reading.
Challenge: Point cloud looks distracting
In addition to the comprehensive viewport, I designed a component-isolated viewport that allows for accessible details.
USER SCENARIO
I identified a common user challenge: Point cloud checking results, often presented with heat maps, can be challenging to interpret. This difficulty is exacerbated, particularly when dealing with lower-quality 3D scans.
SOLUTION
I implemented a component-isolated viewport for the point cloud checking results. This isolated view runs concurrently with the overall viewport, enhancing the user's ability to interact with and understand the data.
Solution
How might we use a consistent design system for all checking tools?
In managing four distinct model-checking tools, each with its unique demands, a consistent design system and style guide become paramount. Users frequently transition between these tools, underscoring the significance of design coherence.
Process
Given the intricate nature of a 3D desktop application, I collaborated closely with developers to establish guidelines for responsive window sizing. Additionally, I leveraged the existing component library to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of the solution.
Solution
Achievements
Together with the SaaS platform, Knowledge Base won the best technology solution 2023 at the BuildingSMART 2023 Conference.
Applied 3D models:
10,000 +
Utilized by companies:
