Case study-based testing of design interface management system

Multidisciplinary design for construction is a complex and iterative process. Because conventional planning tools cannot model iterations, a matrix-based methodology called design structure matrix (DSM) has been developed. Although this approach has shown the potential to model and manage iterative design processes, there is no widespread application. It has been documented that the formation of the DSM is a key limitation to its practical application. Furthermore, the findings of an action research-based investigation on implementing the DSM approach on multiple construction projects suggested the formation of a drawing-based DSM rather than the conventional activity-based DSM to improve applicability. The study also proposed a structured methodology called design interface management system (diMs) to form the drawing design structure matrix. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of diMs methodology and its implementation on the construction design processes. The testing was conducted through a comparative study of two design cases of a large airport design process. The performance of the design management process of the test group that used diMs was compared with the control group that used existing design management practices. The data for the comparative study were obtained through document and questionnaire-based assessment criteria. The comparison of these assessment criteria shows significant improvements in the design management process for the test group. The basis for these improvements was further evaluated through multiple sources of evidences such as focused interviews, physical visits, open-ended interviews, and participatory observations. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.