Designing for Digital Fabrication: An Empirical Study of Industry Needs, Perceived Benefits, and Strategies for Adoption

Abstract

Digital fabrication technologies have been recognised to foster digitalisation and improve design-to-construction efficiency in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. However, digital fabrication adoption has been slow despite promising technological advancements. One potential reason is that it requires a rethinking of the information requirements during the design process including design modelling, design review and design documentation. Digital fabrication can require changes to this process across multiple areas, including technical systems, technological development, organisational context, contractual terms, and business models. One way to overcome these challenges is through the use of digital systems that link to digital fabrication. However, there is a lack of evidence and detailed understanding of the industry needs and strategies to foster the adoption. To facilitate the adoption, this work presents four-stage research as follows. First, a literature review was conducted to derive possible variables of interest across five categories. Second, an online questionnaire survey, which was answered by 144 industry practitioners from different global regions, to identify the variables of industry needs. Third, the relevant responses to that survey from 114 participants were analysed using Rao-Scott Chi-squared tests of independence. 70 categories of variables that are correlated to those in the design process to different extents were identified and illustrated in a bipartite diagram. Fourth, the authors selected ten categories of variables, which are correlated to the design process, and analysed the correlations through heat map analysis. 292 correlations are mapped in a tripartite diagram. This work further presents another bipartite diagram with 26 correlations regarding the benefits of digital systems in the design process. The paper ends with a discussion of the potential strategies, as well as limitations in this work and potential future research. This evidence-based research helps enhance the understanding of an increasing number of industry practitioners who are designing for digital fabrication.