Geodesign Process Analytics: Focus on Design as a Process and Its Outcomes

Chiara Cocco,Christian Rezende Freitas,Ana Clara Mourão Moura,Michele Campagna

doi:10.3390/su12010119

Chiara Cocco, Christian Rezende Freitas + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su12010119

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Abstract

This paper argues that the opportunities offered by currently available collaborative Planning Support Systems (PSS) are useful not only for applying a systems approach and coordinating actors in the planning process, but also for tracking the evolution of design alternatives toward a final plan. The availability of process log-data in the latest PSS opens new paths for understanding (geo)design dynamics. With the aim of taking full advantage of this new data source, a novel Geodesign Process Analytics is described in detail from log-data extraction and pre-processing methods and tools to the development of the set of spatial, performance, temporal and design evolution indicators. The study also demonstrates how the proposed measures are appropriate for display in a dynamic dashboard, making available a real-time process analysis tool to the team coordinators, thus supporting their leading role in facilitating the geodesign process. The research assumptions were tested using the Geodesignhub PSS and data from a geodesign study developed within the International Geodesign Collaboration.

Highlights

In recent decades, the availability of a variety of advanced digital tools for design has advanced the creative process gradually supplanting the traditional analogue pen-and-paper methods used by individual designers to communicate their ideas
Geodesign Process Analytics to anTalhyezepegceuoldiaersidgantastsutdrFuieiFcgsitguu. uIrrneere1oo1.rf.dGtGheereeootdGdoeeespsoiirgdgonnevhhsiiduugbebndthdhiuiaeabggbrlraaoamsgmi-sdddfaaoattartaatsphtsrertuorcduvtecuidvtrueee.rlsoeu.pnmpeanrtalolef laedcoomppproerhtuennistiivees 3.3gA.eAnoadnleaysltyiigtcniaclaaPlnParolryoctecicseasls.framework (i.e., Geodesign Process Analytics or GDPA), we focused on the two meanings of the term design, as stated by Steinitz [8]: design as a verb, highlighting the importance 3.13o.f1Gt.hGeeoedpoedrsoeicsgeingssnPiPrtsorecolecfse,ssasAnAdnnadlayelytsitcgiscns as a noun, identifying its product (Figure 2)
Planning processes are becoming increasingly complex as a result of the multi-dimensional context characterizing current practices

Summary

Introduction

The availability of a variety of advanced digital tools for design has advanced the creative process gradually supplanting the traditional analogue pen-and-paper methods used by individual designers to communicate their ideas. Computer-based support tools in urban and regional planning have moved along this trend thanks to the advances both in Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and in the planning approaches. The increasing complexity of current planning challenges requires “smart” support tools which allow creation and evaluation of design alternatives quickly and efficiently, and at the same time in a more engaging way [4]. A subset of these geo-information technologies, known as planning support systems (PSS), has met these challenges by providing support to the whole, or to some part of, complex planning processes and workflows. PPS combine a range of digital technologies to support different aspects of the planning process in an integrated way [5,6], including “computer-based tools for public participation” and collaboration among stakeholders [7]

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