Page 112 - DP-2-3

Design+ Building code app benefits for designers

Table 4. (Continued)
Parameters/questions Themes Codes Example
Books versus apps “If there were an electronic app version of a textbook that helped them
understand these things and by plugging in information, I think they’d be
willing to pay for it.”
Other features App features User animations “If the app can show how people with disability actually use the space... if
some kind of animation shows how the space is used depending on size, then
students can realize why they need to provide this much space.”
Project folders “Save different portions to a folder, maybe almost like Pinterest or something.”
Code book references “If there’s some way that relates back to the actual IBC numbers, so if they get lost
or need to go check on something... they can reference back to the code book.”
Highlight extra space “It would be nice to see how much extra space you have if you want to put like
a changing table or a spot to set your bags.”
Materials Finishes “What about finishes for interior designers?”
Construction materials “So, are there construction materials? You know what kind of structural steel
you needed to use or if you could use glulam and those kinds of things.”
Fire codes Allowable height “Calculate things like allowable height and area.”
Exit widths “Is it going to count also the desired width of the exit?”
Glazing “What kind of glazing does it have to be, you know, like this kind of stuff?”
Occupancy “I think before you get into the occupant load, I think sometimes you need
classifications a little bit of a reminder of those occupancy classifications that you might be
selecting.”
Focus on specific “Everything covered by code it’s going to be too much. Maybe tailored to
codes certain courses.”
Abbreviations: ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act; AISC: American Institute of Steel Construction; ASCE: American Society of Civil Engineers;
IECC: International Energy Conservation Code; IRC: International Residential Code.

As for the quantitative data, the survey revealed p-value less than 0.05, indicating that the observed median
that 85% of the instructors strongly agree/agree that the significantly differs from the hypothesized median value
BCC app would help them accomplish their tasks and of 3.
teaching goals more quickly, as shown in Figure 6. Figure 7
demonstrates that 92% strongly agreed that the app fits into 4. Discussion
their working style, with only one participant disagreeing Based on the interviews conducted, both industry
with this statement. professionals and instructors rely on traditional

Figure 8 shows that 60% strongly agree/agree that methods for calculating building codes. However, these
people who used BCC apps had high profiles, while the methods often cause confusion and frustration among
other 40% responded neutral. Figure 9 reveals that all industry professionals, instructors, and students. The
respondents believe that the app is easy to use. misinterpretation of codes also leads to miscalculations,
About 85% of participants strongly agree/agree requiring revisions that are time-consuming. Overall,
that the results of using the app were apparent to them. participants are dissatisfied with the current available
Meanwhile, one participant indicated that the results were resources but are unaware of mobile apps that could
not apparent, as seen in Figure 10. Figure 11 demonstrates help them with code calculations. Both professions and
that 73% strongly agree/agree that there is no visibility for educators recognize the value the app could bring to
the BCC app in the interior design field. the industry and student education. They believe the
app would help save time and money, help prepare for
Figure 12 shows that 92% strongly agree/agree that the National Council for Interior Design Qualification
they had enough time to try the app and see its abilities. examination, and enhance student learning. Furthermore,
In addition, 83% strongly agree/agree that they will use the interviewees expressed satisfaction when they could find
app in the future, as shown in Figure 13. answers rapidly and when their calculations were correct.
The results of the one-sample Wilcoxon test, presented Therefore, this app would help them calculate building
in Tables 5 and 6, revealed that Questions 1–8 had a codes more efficiently and accurately.

Volume 2 Issue 3 (2025) 16 doi: 10.36922/DP025190025