Visual Representations for Monitoring Project Performance: Developing Novel Prototypes for Improved Communication

Maintaining project control demands construction project managers navigate the discrepancies between target and actual performancea specific challenge for large-scale construction projects that generate large amounts of ever-changing data. Project managers often use visual representations of data to make better-informed decisions; however, current approaches often fail to manifest the multifaceted considerations that render a successful project. Better visual representation tools would streamline communication and improve project efficiency. Applying a variety of research methods ranging from literature reviews to simulation and usability tests, this investigation's six-step process developed four alternative visual representations prototypes for improved performance monitoring: Activity Icons, Map of Activities, Activity Wall, and Activity Gazer. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by iteratively designing these four prototype visual representations in consultation with experienced project managers and by assessing industry's receptivity. This paper also lays the foundation for long-term expansion of research into the most successful of the developed visual representation prototypes: Activity Gazer. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.