Why It’s So Hard to Do User-Centered Design with Data

Hey everyone,

I recently ran a poll asking AEC professionals how important data is in user-centered design.

The results?
📊 Facility managers jumped in with thoughtful responses.
🛠 Architects… not so much.

It’s not that architects don’t care — their priorities are often about delivering: hitting deadlines, resolving conflicts, and completing the package.

That’s understandable. But it raises a question:

👉 How can we integrate user experience data without slowing down the design process?

One idea: stop treating data collection as an “extra step” — and instead, weave it into the workflows you already have:

• Design reviews: Add quick, lightweight feedback loops.

• Post-occupancy findings: Use them to shape your design standards, not just fill reports that get shelved.

• Project kick-offs: Share facility performance dashboards so teams start with real-world constraints and successes in mind.

Because user-centered design isn’t a separate job — it’s a smarter way to do the job we already have.

💬 What’s one small change that would make data-driven design feel less like “extra work” and more like part of the process?

💡 Pilot Opportunity — 5 Free Spots
Have raw feedback from user group meetings, design interviews, or post-occupancy surveys?

I’ll turn it into a decision-ready, human-centered building report you can share with stakeholders to clearly show the value of your project.

You’ll get:
✅ A tailored report highlighting user needs, priorities, and pain points
✅ Clear themes and actionable insights drawn directly from your feedback
✅ A one-page visual mapping user input to the design or operational decisions it influenced

Why free?
I’m improving our reporting process and want to test it with real projects

Only 5 spots — reply “Interested” to this email to secure yours.

Here are the most relevant tech news highlights from the past week:

1. Frost & Sullivan Lauds AEC Tech Innovation
BST Global has been recognized for pioneering AI-powered project intelligence solutions tailored for the AEC industry by Frost & Sullivan. Read more

2. CS TECH Ai's 'BIM & BEYOND 2025' Session
CS TECH Ai hosted an event in Hyderabad to discuss the future of digital transformation using BIM tools for AEC professionals. Read more

3. Reimagining Healthcare with AI and BIM
AI and BIM integration aimed at optimizing healthcare facility management, emphasizing future-ready designs through data centralization. Read more

4. More Construction Professionals Embrace AI
Over a third of construction professionals are now using AI, reflecting a significant increase in adoption across the industry. Read more

5. Autodesk Construction Cloud for AEC
CS TECH Ai highlighted how Autodesk Construction Cloud centralizes data and improves workflow clarity for AEC teams. Read more

6. Youth-Driven Energy in Namibia
The African Energy Chamber is advocating for a youth-led approach to addressing Namibia's energy infrastructure needs. Read more

7. Nemetschek SE's Strategies in AEC Software
Nemetschek garners attention for its strategic roadmap and efforts to expand APAC operations despite economic risks. Read more

8. Data-Driven Strategies at Welligence
Welligence's data-driven investment strategy marks a shift in African energy exploration, facilitated through a strategic partnership. Read more

9. A Sound Collaboration Solution from DTEN
DTEN showcases a human-centered approach to enhance collaborative environments at InfoComm 2025. Read more

10. Satellite Imagery Innovations in Geospatial AEC
Geospatial and 3D AEC industries are leveraging AI for enhanced analysis of massive satellite data. Read more

11. Human-Centered Campus Design at Alibaba
ASPECT studios design a regenerative landscape for Alibaba, emphasizing human-centered principles like accessibility and connectivity. Read more

12. PropTech Transforming Real Estate Investments
PropTech innovations are reshaping real estate investments and digital marketing, with increased AI adoption bolstering the industry. Read more

Until next time,

Shicong Cao, DataDrivenAEC