Emerging Human- Data Interactions within Construction and the Built Environment
Edited book, 2025
Key Challenge
The construction and built environment sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, but existing Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) approaches are inadequate for this complex, data-rich environment. Current methods fail to address the unique characteristics of construction contexts, including diverse data sources, multiple transformation opportunities, and varied human roles.
Solution & Approach
EC3’s Human-Data Interaction (HDI) Technical Committee has developed the first comprehensive framework specifically designed for the Architecture, Construction, Engineering and Operation (AECO) sector. This white paper establishes HDI as a central research domain that unifies various interaction models under a human-centered approach.
Key Deliverables:
First Working Definition: Created the initial HDI definition tailored for AECO sector applications
Comprehensive Analysis: Examined six critical digital innovation areas:
-Smart buildings and cities
-Virtual and augmented reality
-Machine learning and deep learning
-Sensored construction sites
-Robotics for industrialized construction
-Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
Framework Development: Outlined ethical, regulatory, and human factors considerations for digital adoption
Strategic Impact
This framework positions HDI as the unifying research domain for human-centered digital innovation in construction, replacing fragmented approaches with a cohesive methodology that prioritizes human needs while leveraging technological advances.
Call to Action
The white paper serves as an invitation for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to collaborate and invest in HDI research, establishing a foundation for more effective, human-centered digital transformation in the built environment sector.
The construction and built environment sector is undergoing rapid digital transformation, but existing Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) approaches are inadequate for this complex, data-rich environment. Current methods fail to address the unique characteristics of construction contexts, including diverse data sources, multiple transformation opportunities, and varied human roles.
Solution & Approach
EC3’s Human-Data Interaction (HDI) Technical Committee has developed the first comprehensive framework specifically designed for the Architecture, Construction, Engineering and Operation (AECO) sector. This white paper establishes HDI as a central research domain that unifies various interaction models under a human-centered approach.
Key Deliverables:
First Working Definition: Created the initial HDI definition tailored for AECO sector applications
Comprehensive Analysis: Examined six critical digital innovation areas:
-Smart buildings and cities
-Virtual and augmented reality
-Machine learning and deep learning
-Sensored construction sites
-Robotics for industrialized construction
-Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
Framework Development: Outlined ethical, regulatory, and human factors considerations for digital adoption
Strategic Impact
This framework positions HDI as the unifying research domain for human-centered digital innovation in construction, replacing fragmented approaches with a cohesive methodology that prioritizes human needs while leveraging technological advances.
Call to Action
The white paper serves as an invitation for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to collaborate and invest in HDI research, establishing a foundation for more effective, human-centered digital transformation in the built environment sector.
Virtual Reality (VR)
Smart Cities
Construction Innovation
Technology Adoption
Compliance
Construction Technology
Human-Computer Interaction
Construction Sites
Robotics
Working Definition
Automated Construction
Ethics
Construction Industry
Human-Data Interaction (HDI)
Sensored Construction Sites
Smart Buildings
Augmented Reality (AR)
Human Factors
Building Information Systems
Industrialised Construction
Machine Learning (ML)
Blockchain
Data Privacy
Built Environment
Data Analytics
Digital Transformation
Regulation
Deep Learning (DL)
Digital Construction
Urban Planning
European Council for Computing in Construction (EC3)
Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT)
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Editor
Mohamad Kassem
Newcastle University
Dimosthenis Kifokeris
Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Design
Subject Categories (SSIF 2025)
Construction Management
Publisher
European Council on Computing in Construction