DesignEase: Empowering Responsible Innovation for Sustainable Material Procurement in Society 5.0

Abstract

When it comes to the design and construction fields, efficient finishing material procurement never seems to be easy. Slow responses from suppliers, fragmented information, and a lack of pricing consistency from suppliers always seem to be a problem. This research introduces a platform called ‘DesignEase’. It is a digital platform that is intended to make the procurement process regarding flooring, wall coverings, and other associated materials easier. Based on the focus group and a survey that included 81 professionals, the research reveals the absence of centralized digital inventories alongside inadequate product information as key pain points. Moreover, this study noted the need for new powerful digital tools where users can create searches that enquire supplier databases and integrate physical samples and other related information digitally. Through analyzing literature, the results capture the ability of DesignEase to address systemic inefficiencies while fostering innovation and collaboration. The results address the inefficiencies in material procurement, interior design, architecture, construction management and entrepreneurship fields. DesignEase shows that user-centred solutions to traditional practices serve to transform the entire industry.