Key Elements of Trust in Building Renovation Data Management: A Usability Study of a Centralized Platform

The urgent need for building renovation is growing, yet the availability of machine-readable data remains limited, hindering the decision-making process for building owners. This paper addresses this gap by identifying key elements in document digitization, data enrichment, and data analysis that are essential to fostering trust in data processing. To address this, we developed a mock-up based on design thinking principles that aims to consolidate existing building information into a central, accessible location. This platform provides users with a comprehensive overview of building data. We conducted a user study with 44 participants to evaluate the usability of the platform using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The results showed a high SUS score, reflecting strong usability and positive feedback. Participants highlighted the value of centralizing building data, which significantly supports renovation decision-making. The results underscore the platform’s potential to drive digital transformation in the building sectors, marking a critical step forward in renovation planning.