Incremental digital twin framework: A design science research approach for practical deployment

Abstract

Digital Twins (DTw) in the construction industry combine multiple digital concepts aimed at achieving high levels of automation. While the industry pursues digital transition, professionals struggle to implement DTw due to their complexity and lack of standards. An incremental approach to deploying DTw can enable phased implementations, reducing costs and delivering faster outcomes. This paper applies Design Science Research (DSR) to develop, test, and improve an incremental Digital Twin (iDTw) framework for practical deployment. The iDTw is demonstrated and evaluated over three diversified use cases (Municipality Implementations, Residential House and Industrial Facility Operation) provided by experienced professionals from different backgrounds. With-case and cross-case analyses are conducted. iDTw results gave proper responses for the use cases, demonstrating the capability to drive awareness of DTw implementation. Finally, the iDTw combines theory and practice by offering a structured approach for assessing DTw smartness levels and tailored responses, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications.