CONTINOUS IMPROVEMENT OF THE DIGITAL LAST PLANNER SYSTEM WHITEBOARD

Abstract

The first paper on this iterative action research was published in 2022, describing the digital Last Planner System (LPS) whiteboard concept and prototype development, and evaluation. The aim of this subsequent research iteration is the continuous improvement of the implementation of the proposed digital LPS whiteboard for design process planning and control. Using the action research methodology in collaboration with Estonian design firms, challenges were identified through the observation of two design projects, and solutions were proposed, implemented and evaluated within a third project. Nine problems were identified in managing design processes and in utilizing the digital LPS whiteboard. They fall into three areas: (1) individuals and motivation, (2) process and time management, and (3) the digital LPS's collaboration board. Four improvements were suggested, implemented and evaluated: (1) a standardized process for digital LPS implementation; (2) identifying causes of design task delays; (3) designer specific KanBan view; and (4) automating the preparation of meeting minutes, which provide information on project status, decisions, and visual performance metrics. The results indicate that these improvements increase the reliability of collaborative design planning and control.