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Design+

ARTICLE
Evaluating the usage of a building code

calculator app as a design tool

Hebatalla Nazmy* and Merida Valentin-Mendez
Department of Design and Merchandising, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, United
States of America

Abstract
Building code knowledge is essential for designers, but it can be challenging to
learn and master. While automated code compliance tools assist in navigating these
complexities, they are typically used later in the design process. This study introduces
the Building Code Calculator App as an early-stage design tool. Grounded in cognitive
load theory, the app simplifies information to simplify the learning process. It also
incorporates concept mapping, a visual tool that aids in knowledge construction.
This research aimed to examine the effectiveness of the Building Code Calculator
App as a tool for design education. The app offers a visual guide to building codes
and includes calculation features with explanations. It was hypothesized that the
*Corresponding author: app would improve designers’ knowledge and skills while reducing their stress levels
Hebatalla Nazmy
(hnazmy@okstate.edu) as they work on building code tasks. The study also predicts that the app will be
adopted by designers in the future. A survey was conducted with senior interior
Citation: Nazmy H, design students after they completed a building code task using traditional methods
Valentin-Mendez M. Evaluating the
usage of a building code calculator and then used the app. All of the survey participants indicated the usefulness of the
app as a design tool. Design+. Building Code Calculator App in assisting the application of building code’s content
2025;2(1):4730. and expressed disposition to use the app in the future. Results also confirmed
doi: 10.36922/dp.4730
that using the app lowered the participants’ stress levels, demonstrating its value
Received: September 1, 2024 as a design tool. In conclusion, these results advocate for a more comprehensive
1st revised: December 30, 2024 approach to building code education that leverages technology to provide practical,
hands-on learning opportunities.
2nd revised: January 22, 2025
3rd revised: February 9, 2025
Keywords: Building code; Interior design; Cognitive load; Mobile app; Design tool; Digital
Accepted: February 10, 2025
tool
Published online: February 26,
2025
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s).
This is an Open-Access article 1. Introduction
distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons The significance of building codes and standards in the field of building design is
AttributionNoncommercial License, crucial. Certified designers must be able to accurately interpret and apply national
permitting all non-commercial use,
distribution, and reproduction in any models, state-specific codes and standards, as well as federal and state laws, including
medium, provided the original work the Americans with Disabilities Act. This knowledge is essential in creating safe,
is properly cited. sustainable, affordable, accessible, and resilient buildings, such as convention centers,
Publisher’s Note: AccScience hotels, and airport terminals, where large groups of people gather. As key protectors of
Publishing remains neutral with public health, safety, and welfare in the built environment, designers possess expertise
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional critical to ensuring public safety and are obliged to adhere to codes and standards in
affiliations. their profession. 1,2

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 1 doi: 10.36922/dp.4730