1. Ease of Use

Despite the fact that CAD has been widely used in the AEC industry for over a decade, companies are still struggling with the initial CAD training hurdle and the cycle of product updates that require reworking of production procedures and relearning of existing skills. This significantly reduces the industry’s ability to reap benefits from investments in hardware, software and training. For over 20 years, attempts have been made to introduce intelligent CAD software, but adoption has been thwarted by the time and cost associated with training and the learning curve. No matter how powerful the parametric building modeling software, it will not be adopted if it is not easy to learn and use. In addition, upgrades must be non-disruptive to existing automated processes and user skills.

1.1. Requirements for the user interface
1.1.1. More like MS Word
1.1.2. Consistency across releases
1.1.3. User interface objects should always stay in the same place
1.1.3.1. Icons should be consistent from release to release
1.1.3.2. Icons should stay put
1.1.4. For casual users, entry through plain English language is indispensable:
1.1.4.1. Type in a word or phrase that indicates what you want to do
1.1.4.2. System should prompt you through doing it
1.1.5. Clean, simple screen – drill down to detail
1.1.6. Common sequencing through commands
1.1.7. Screen color should default to white, like mylar or vellum, but be customizable
 
1.2. Requirements for training and learning curve
1.2.1. Short or nonexistent learning curve
1.2.2. Learn it once
1.2.2.1. New releases should have new features
1.2.2.2. New releases should not change the user interface to old commands
1.2.2.3. New releases should not change the functionality of old commands
1.2.3. Training on demand
1.2.3.1. Availability of computer-based instruction to learn more about what the system can do
1.2.3.2. Available anytime, from anyplace -- just-in-time training
1.2.4. The system should be fun to play with, to encourage users to experiment and develop advanced skills
 
1.3. Requirement to accommodate building professionals in all roles
1.3.1. Ability to examine the model from any view
1.3.1.1. 3D
1.3.1.2. Plan
1.3.1.3. Section
1.3.1.4. Elevation
1.3.1.5. Schedule
1.3.1.6. Quantity take-off
1.3.2. Ability to change the model from any view that makes sense to the user and have that change automatically propagated through all representations of the model
 
1.4. Requirements for customizing the application
1.4.1. The system must be easily customizable, through a simple technique like a macro language
1.4.2. The library of design components must be easily expandable: the software must permit the creation of new parametric building elements by end users, without programming

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