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Design+ Evaluating a building code app

Table 5. One‑sample Wilcoxon signed‑rank test the results revealed varying levels of familiarity and
experience with building codes among participants. Many
Question Total Test Std. Standardized Asymptotic expressed limited exposure to building codes throughout
(n) statistic error test statistic significance
(2‑sided test) their education, highlighting a gap in the curriculum.
1 19 169.000 22.279 3.321 <0.001 However, the study intervention improved participants’
2 19 169.000 22.279 3.321 <0.001 familiarity and confidence with building code content and
applications, as reflected in their qualitative feedback.
3 19 98.000 14.431 3.153 0.002
Third, on the apps’ effectiveness, the Building
4 19 91.000 13.000 3.500 <0.001
5 19 190.000 22.702 4.185 <0.001 Code Calculator App proved to be a valuable tool in
enhancing participants’ understanding and application
6 19 177.000 23.974 3.420 <0.001 of building code content. Most participants agreed that
7 18 141.000 20.356 3.169 0.002 the app helped them remember, understand, and apply
8 19 190.000 23.825 3.987 <0.001 building code content. In addition, about two-thirds
9 18 120.000 17.048 3.520 <0.001 of participants felt that the app supported their ability
10 19 171.000 22.299 3.834 <0.001 to analyze building codes and agreed that it aided in
11 19 153.000 20.460 3.739 <0.001 evaluating the codes. Notably, the majority indicated
12 19 190.000 23.372 4.065 <0.001 that the app helped them create new perspectives based
13 19 190.000 23.372 4.065 <0.001 on the building code content. Participants also rated the
app highly in terms of usability and future intentions
14 19 190.000 22.702 4.185 <0.001 to use it. All participants agreed that the app enabled
15 19 190.000 23.065 4.119 <0.001 them to accomplish tasks more quickly, fit well with
16 17 136.000 18.762 3.624 <0.001 their work style, was easy to use, and provided apparent
17 19 190.000 23.372 4.065 <0.001 results. These findings align with the perceived relative
18 19 30.500 10.553 -0.237 0.813 advantage, compatibility, and complexity dimensions of
19 19 83.000 18.682 -0.803 0.422 the app, supporting its integration into design settings.
20 19 96.000 18.547 -1.510 0.131 Fourth, regarding reduction in stress levels, the app also
positively influenced participants’ stress levels when
Note: The significance level of α = 0.05, test value=0.5.
working on building code exercises. Traditional methods
were associated with higher stress levels, with about one-
after this study intervention that took place during their fourth of participants reporting high or extremely high
studio course, they gained more exposure and knowledge levels of stress. In contrast, when using the app, fewer
and felt more confident in building code knowledge and participants reported high stress levels, and the majority
skills. indicated low or extremely low stress levels. This stress
reduction suggests that the app provides a more user-
5. Discussion friendly and efficient approach to understanding and

The results of this study highlight several important findings applying building code.
regarding the significance of understanding building The one-sample Wilcoxon test indicated that most
codes in design and the effectiveness of the Building Code quantitative survey items (Questions 1 – 17) had a
Calculator App as a learning and application tool. First, on significant difference from the hypothesized median,
the importance of building code knowledge, a significant reinforcing the positive impact of the app on participants’
majority of participants agreed that understanding building learning experiences. Open-ended responses further
codes and ensuring compliance is essential for interior highlighted the contrast between the traditional manual
designers. This consensus underscores that the critical methods and the app. Themes related to traditional methods
role building code knowledge plays in the professional were predominantly negative, focusing on challenges such
responsibilities of interior designers. Furthermore, all as difficulty and inefficiency. Conversely, themes related to
participants emphasized the importance of learning about the app were overwhelmingly positive, citing its ease of use,
building codes in the interior design studio, suggesting ability to simplify calculations, and overall effectiveness.
that integrating building code education into studio These findings suggest a pressing need to enhance building
courses is vital for preparing students for professional code education within design programs. Participants’
practice. Second, on the familiarity and experience reflections indicate that limited exposure to building codes
with building code, despite the recognized importance, during their education contributes to a lack of confidence

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 11 doi: 10.36922/dp.4730