U.S. patent application number 12/690026 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for project planning system.
Invention is credited to David A. Scholar.
Application Number | 20100185547 12/690026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42337702 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100185547 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scholar; David A. |
July 22, 2010 |
PROJECT PLANNING SYSTEM
Abstract
An interactive and collaborative, planning, designing and
facilitating tool that connects users with organized information
and relevant data, providers and facilitators to resolve technical
issues in conceptualizing, designing and implementing a custom
project.
Inventors: |
Scholar; David A.; (Yucca
Valley, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KLEIN, O''NEILL & SINGH, LLP
18200 VON KARMAN AVENUE, SUITE 725
IRVINE
CA
92612
US
|
Family ID: |
42337702 |
Appl. No.: |
12/690026 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61145503 |
Jan 16, 2009 |
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61177961 |
May 13, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/80 ; 705/300;
705/301; 707/754; 707/E17.059; 715/751; 715/809 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 50/188 20130101;
Y02A 90/26 20180101; G16H 15/00 20180101; G06Q 10/103 20130101;
G06Q 50/08 20130101; Y02A 90/10 20180101; G16H 10/20 20180101; G06Q
10/101 20130101; G06Q 10/06315 20130101; G06Q 30/0611 20130101;
G06Q 10/06313 20130101; G06Q 50/01 20130101; G06Q 10/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/80 ; 705/300;
705/301; 707/754; 715/751; 715/809; 707/E17.059 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 10/00 20060101
G06Q010/00; G06Q 30/00 20060101 G06Q030/00; G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01; G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048; G06Q 50/00 20060101 G06Q050/00 |
Claims
1. A computer program product for managing projects comprising: a
computer useable medium having computer readable instructions
embodied therein for generating a project planning document,
wherein the computer readable instructions when executed on a
computer cause the computer to: generate a first report that
includes parameters, guidelines, product selection and service
selection relating to a project selected by a first user; generate
a second report that includes modifications to at least one of the
parameters, guidelines, product selection, and service selection
relating to the project based on input by a second user; and
generate a third report that journals actions taken in implementing
the project using at least a portion of the parameters, guidelines,
product selection and service selection set forth in the first
report and as modified in the second report.
2. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer
readable instructions when executed on the computer cause the
computer to: generate a final report including at least the first,
second and third reports.
3. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer
readable instructions when executed on the computer cause the
computer to: prompt the first user to link to information to
search, view and select the parameters, guidelines, product
selection and service selection.
4. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer
readable instructions when executed on the computer cause the
computer to: prompt the first user to link to information provided
by information providers to search, view and select the parameters,
guidelines, product selection and service selection.
5. The computer program product of claim 4, wherein the information
providers comprise public sector groups, industry professionals,
manufacturers and industry service professionals.
6. The computer program product of claim 4, wherein the information
comprises service listings, manufacturer showrooms, professional
showcases, and network listings.
7. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer
readable instructions when executed on the computer cause the
computer to: maintain the parameters, guidelines, product selection
and service selection as input by the first user and as modified by
the second user in a planning sheet; and maintain the journal of
the actions taken in implementing the project in the planning
sheet.
8. The computer program product of claim 7, wherein the planning
sheet comprises plan sections representing different plan section
categories related to aspects of the project and each plan section
including a listing of tasks and requirements related to a
particular category, wherein the computer readable instructions
when executed on the computer cause the computer to: segregate the
parameters, guidelines, product selection and service selection
into the appropriate plan section categories.
9. The computer program product of claim 8, wherein the different
plan section categories comprise categories, subcategories and
sub-subcategories that are individually searchable.
10. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the computer
readable instructions when executed on the computer cause the
computer to: create a planning sheet including plan sections
representing different plan section categories related to aspects
of the project and each plan section including a listing of tasks
and requirements related to a particular category; segregate the
parameters, guidelines, product selection and service selection
into the appropriate plan section categories; maintain the
parameters, guidelines, product selection and service selection as
input by the first user and as modified by the second user and
third users; and maintain the journal of the actions taken in
implementing the project.
11. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the planning
sheets are searchable by the first user, the second user and the
third user, while only being modifiable by only one of the first
user, the second user and the third user at a given time.
12. The computer program product of claim 10, wherein the different
plan section categories are individually searchable.
13. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the
modifications to the parameters, guidelines, product selection and
service selection relating to the project made by the second user
in collaboration with the first user further comprises
modifications to the parameters, guidelines, product selection and
service selection relating to the project made by the second user
in collaboration with the first user and in further collaboration
with a fourth user.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the fourth
user comprises a user taken from the group of service sector
professionals, government agency reviewers, property maintenance
providers and property mangers.
15. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the first user
comprises an owner/developer of a building construction project,
the second user comprises construction industry professionals, and
the third user comprises a general contractor.
16. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the first user
comprises at least one individual desirous of planning a custom
project, the second user comprises at least one individual having
the expertise, the information, the resources and the ability to
collaborate and comment on the custom project and the third user
comprises at least one individual having the expertise, the
information, the resources and the ability to cause the custom
project to be implemented.
17. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the first,
second and third reports may comprise a physical compilation of
data, or alternatively, the guides may be a virtual (electronic)
compilation of data.
18. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the
parameters, guidelines, product selection and service selection
comprise monetary bids provided by qualified professionals for
providing products and services.
19. The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the
parameters, guidelines, product selection and service selection
comprise information received from at least one of the following
sources: service listings, professional showcases, network
listings, manufacturers' showrooms, the inspiration gallery, the
scrapbook, the design center, and the consultation package.
20. A computer-implemented method for generating a planning
document comprising: receiving an input from a first user that
includes user selections relating to a project type; generating
planning sheets related to the project type and populating segments
of the planning sheets with a first set of data categorized based
on the user selections; granting access to the planning sheets to a
second user and allowing the second user to modify at least a
portion of the first set of data to create a second set of data in
the segments of the planning sheets; and granting access to the
planning sheets to a third user and allowing the third user to
journal the actions to be taken in implementing a project based on
at least portions of the first and second sets of data in the
planning sheets.
21. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: prompting the first user to input the user selections
including parameters, guidelines and product and service
selections.
22. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: prompting the first user to link to information to
search, view and select parameters, guidelines, product selections
and service selections to be included in the user selections.
23. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: prompting the first user to link to information
provided by information providers to search, view and select the
information to be included in the user selections.
24. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the
information providers comprise public sector groups, industry
professionals, manufactures and industry service professionals.
25. The computer-implemented method of claim 23, wherein the
information comprises service listings, manufacturer showrooms,
professional showcases, network listings.
26. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, wherein the
planning sheets comprise a listing of tasks and requirements
related to the project type.
27. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, wherein the
segments of the planning sheets comprise plan sections that
represent different categories related to the aspects of the
project type.
28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27, wherein the
different categories comprise categories, subcategories and
sub-subcategories that are individually searchable.
29. The computer implemented method of claim 20, wherein allowing
the modification to the first set of data is made in a
collaborative effort between the first user and the second
user.
30. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: filtering the input to segregate the first set of data
to a particular segment of the planning sheets based on parameters
and guidelines provided in the user selections.
31. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: filtering the input to narrow the first set of data
based on preferences designated in the user selections.
32. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, wherein the first
user comprises an Owner/developer of a building construction
project, the second user comprises construction industry
professionals, and the third user comprises a general
contractor.
33. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, wherein the first
user comprises at least one individual desirous of planning a
custom project, the second user comprises at least one individual
who possess the expertise or information, and may be hired or at
least made available to the first user as a resource having the
ability to collaborate and comment on the custom project and the
third user comprises at least one individual that may be hired or
made available to the first user and the second user to cause the
custom project to be implemented in a manner requested by the first
user and the second user.
34. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: generating a first guide including the first set of
data; generating a second guide including the second set of data;
and generating a third guide including the actions taken in
implementing the project.
35. The computer-implemented method of claim 34, further comprising
outputting the first guide, the second guide and the third guide as
individual guides.
36. The computer-implemented method of claim 20, further
comprising: outputting a final planning document including at least
a portion of the first set of data; at least a portion of the
second set of data, and a journal of the actions taken in
implementing the project.
37. A computer-implemented system comprising a network interface
circuitry configured to receive data and transmit data over a
network; and at least one data processor coupled to the network
interface circuitry and configured by executable instructions to
generate a project planning document, the executable instructions
including executable instructions for: receiving an input including
user selections relating to a project type, the input provided by a
first user; generating a first guide including a first set of data
compiled based on designated preferences defined in the user
selections; generating a second guide including a second set of
data including at least a portion of the first set of data modified
by a second user; and generating a third guide recording the
actions taken in implementing a project plan based on at least
portions of the first and second sets of data.
38. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: assembling the first, second and third
guides into a final guide.
39. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: prompting the first user to input the
user selections including parameters, guidelines and product and
service selections.
40. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: prompting the first user to link to
information to search, view and select parameters, guidelines,
product selections and service selections to be included in the
user selections.
41. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: prompting the first user to link to
information provided by information providers to search, view and
select the information to be included in the user selections.
42. The computer-implemented system of claim 41, wherein the
information providers comprise public sector groups, industry
professionals, manufactures and industry service professionals.
43. The computer-implemented system of claim 41, wherein the
information comprises service listings, manufacturer showrooms,
professional showcases, network listings.
44. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: creating a planning sheet including
plan sections representing different plan section categories
related to aspects of the project and each plan section including a
listing of tasks and requirements related to a particular category;
segregating the user selections into the appropriate plan section
categories; maintaining the user selections as input by the first
user and as modified by the second user and third users; and
maintaining the journal of the actions taken in implementing the
project.
45. The computer-implemented system of claim 44, wherein the
planning sheets are searchable by the first user, the second user
and the third user, while only being modifiable by only one of the
first user, the second user and the third user at a given time.
46. The computer-implemented system of claim 44, wherein the
different plan section categories are individually searchable.
47. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: filtering the input to narrow the
first set of data based on the preferences designated in the user
selections.
48. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, wherein the first
user comprises an owner/developer of a building construction
project, the second user comprises construction industry
professionals, and the third user comprises a general
contractor.
49. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, wherein the first
user comprises at least one individual desirous of planning a
custom project, the second user comprises at least one individual
who possess the expertise or information, and may be hired or at
least made available to the first user as a resource having the
ability to collaborate and comment on the custom project and the
third user comprises at least one individual that may be hired or
made available to the first user and the second user to cause the
custom project to be implemented in a manner requested by the first
user and the second user.
50. The computer-implemented system of claim 37, further comprising
executable instructions for: outputting a final planning document
including at least a portion of the first guide; at least a portion
of the second guide, and a third guide including a journal of the
actions taken in implementing the project.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 61/145,503, filed Jan. 16, 2009,
and to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/177,961, filed May
13, 2009, both of which are expressly incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of Art
[0003] The present invention is directed to a project planning
system, and particularly to a system for creating, designing and
implementing a custom project and solving technical difficulties
that are involved therewith, and more particularly to a system for
teaching and managing building construction, customization,
documentation, collaboration, and communication as well as project
planning for other everyday jobs, functions, and activities.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Most consumers begin a project without a plan. However, the
more informed a person or a group is when conceptualizing an idea,
the better are the chances of completing a successful project
related to that idea. Generally, the problem with most project
planning is that there is either too much or not enough information
available; there are many decisions to be made, and many opinions
and options to be researched. Generally, the standard practice is
to venture to a research library, a book store or the World Wide
Web (www) and search for information. Typically, the participants
are overwhelmed with randomly presented data. One potential
solution is to hire an expert to help limit the selections. Experts
also have many different opinions and answers on how to do the same
task. The consumer generally goes forward with a weak map of the
process. This may lead to cost overruns, time delays, unnecessary
and unfortunate surprises and the like.
[0006] When developing a project in the construction industry, for
example, to provide options to a customer or developer of any
building project, an architect, a consultant or a general
contractor might provide lists of product specifications, numerous
OEMs, trade contractors, and suppliers that the customer may use to
choose from a very large number of options. The selection process
and management requirements of the owner, design team and general
contractor increase due to the large number of options made
available, the large number of selections that need to be tracked,
and the large amount of required documentation that accompanies the
project. Generally, property owners and developers have too few
tools available to them to help with getting their construction
projects completed. The process is fragmented, and sources
including the www and trade publications are often incomplete,
misleading, not well organized and unreliable. Thus, a potentially
complex question or problem for getting a project appropriately
planned or implemented may never receive a technical answer or
solution that it requires.
[0007] Generally, when developing a project plan including various
service related industries, customers or consumers of most services
are provided with lists of products, options, available
information, tips, resources, vendors and the like that the
customer or consumer might use to make selections regarding the
particular service. The selection process and complexity associated
with managing the selection process increase due to the large
number of options that may be made available to the consumer.
Typically, a large number of selections may need to be tracked in
order to preserve the consumer's general desires. Even though
consumers may be inundated with large amounts of information,
options and the like, the consumer still may not receive sufficient
information or other data that is actually related to his or her
specific desires, wants and needs. In some instances, the consumer
may not even be aware that certain options even exist.
SUMMARY
[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure have several features,
no single one of which is solely responsible for their desirable
attributes. Without limiting the scope of the present embodiments
as expressed by the claims that follow, their more prominent
features will now be discussed.
[0009] The project planning system provides a step-by-step project
development process and resolves technical difficulties required to
successfully plan and implement the project. The planning begins
with development of a Vision Album, Planning Guide, or report
created by the system for a user interested in creating a custom
project. The Vision Album may include all of the parameters,
guidelines, product and service selections that the user has
selected and that represent the user's desires and wants for the
project. As further discussed below, the project can be any number
of types and in any number of fields. For example, the project can
be a building project, a travel project, a career planning project,
a camping trip project, a retirement planning project, a research
project, and projects related to formulating a political
agenda/item, a military campaign, a security implementation plan, a
film or TV show, an advertising campaign, a marketing campaign, a
business development plan, a Medicare program, a long term health
care plan, or considering options for immediate medical
care/attention. The project may also be related to education and or
career planning including reviewing options, understanding aptitude
and or user interests relating to selecting a specific career and
the like. The project may include an approach taken by any group,
agency or organization to promote and build a workable system. For
example, the Homeland Security department, where many agencies
benefit by having access to aggregated and organized real time data
that is generally blocked at the borders of the different agencies.
The agencies would have access to data that allows them to work
towards the same goals while knowing what the other agencies are
doing. In military campaigns individual goals focus on one outcome
or another, where solutions could be made part of the main
objective where all parties are represented, and information is
readily available, including historical information, best practices
and considerations made during the planning phase but before
execution of the plan.
[0010] A Project Guide is developed by the system to include the
interactive collaboration between a user and a project developer
and a design team and includes specifications for the project to be
developed or constructed. A Project Journal is compiled by the
system to include information from a facilitator or build team
relating to the build team's actions taken to implement the custom
project in accordance with the requirements as set forth in the
Planning Guide/Vision Album and as refined in the Project Guide.
Depending on the projects to be planned, the build team may be
referred to as a counselor, a facilitator, a trainer, coach and the
like. A Project Portfolio/Building Manual is a compilation of the
information related to the custom project and obtained through
inputs from the user, the design team members, and the build team
members. The Project Portfolio, also referred to as the Building
Manual, may also include but is not limited to, a collection of
tools and databases, which may include selectable photos and
graphic images, materials, products, systems, communications and
permit data as well as installer maintenance recommendations and
requirements/schedules and warranty information. The Project
Portfolio may also include information useful to a user even after
a project has been completed. Professional service providers may be
included, who may be selected to perform the required work, along
with samples, ideas, suggestions, and the like, that facilitate
thorough and exhaustive reviews of each and every aspect/phase of
the conception, design and implementation of the custom
project.
[0011] Input and queries are not limited to only the user, the
design team or the build team, the planning system supports
communication and collaboration between all project participants
and or industry stakeholders invited to the collaboration at any
phase in the development of the project. Thus, collaboration may
include social/business networking, such as by and between friends
and family members regarding a project, communication between
Industry Professionals, Manufacturers and Suppliers. A system
sector section described below supports industry collaboration by
way of Blogs, Forums, Committees and the like. The project
collaboration supports complete communication and collaboration
between all project participants including any person or group who
are invited to participate in the project. The planning system may
assign the user(s) with a project email address so all
communications between participants go in and out of the system so
that the communications on a project may be saved.
[0012] In one aspect, a computer program product is provided for
managing projects. The computer program product may include a
computer useable medium having computer readable instructions
embodied therein for generating a project planning document. The
computer readable instructions when executed on a computer cause
the computer to: generate a first report that includes parameters,
guidelines, product selections and service selections relating to a
project selected by a first user; generate a second report that
includes modifications to at least one of the parameters,
guidelines, product selections, and service selections relating to
the project based on input by a second user; and generate a third
report that journals actions to be taken in implementing the
project using the parameters, guidelines, product selection and
service selection set forth in the first report and as modified in
the second report.
[0013] In another aspect, a computer implemented system is provided
including a network interface circuitry configured to receive data
and transmit data over a network; and at least one data processor
coupled to the network interface circuitry and configured by
executable instructions to generate a project planning document.
The executable instructions including executable instructions for:
receiving an input including user selections relating to a project
type, the input provided by a first user; generating a first guide
including a first set of data compiled based on designated
preferences defined in the user selections; generating a second
guide including a second set of data including at least a portion
of the first set of data modified by a second user; and generating
a third guide recording the actions taken in implementing a project
plan based on at least portions of the first and second sets of
data. The computer-implemented system may further include program
instructions for: assembling the first, second and third guides
into a final guide.
[0014] In yet another aspect, a computer-implemented method is
provided for generating a planning document including receiving an
input from a first user that includes user selections relating to a
project type; generating planning sheets related to the project
type and populating segments of the planning sheets with a first
set of data categorized based on the user selections; granting
access to the planning sheets to a second user and allowing the
second user to modify at least a portion of the first set of data
to create a second set of data in the segments of the planning
sheets; and granting access to the planning sheets to a third user
and allowing the third user to journal the actions to be taken in
implementing a project based on at least portions of the first and
second sets of data in the planning sheets.
[0015] In yet another aspect, a computer-implemented method is
provided for generating a project planning document including
presenting queries prompting responses relating to a project type,
the responses provided by a first user in generating a first set of
data; filtering the first set of data and populating segments of a
planning sheet with the filtered first set of data based on project
preferences defined in the responses to the queries, the filtered
first set of data included in a planning guide; modifying the first
set of data in the planning guide in response to interactive and
collaborative queries made between the first user and a second user
to create a project guide having a second set of data; and
recording progress of an implementation by a third user of the
project guide to create a project journal, said project journal
comprising actions to be taken in implementing a project based on
at least portions of the first and second sets of data in the
planning sheets.
[0016] In yet another aspect, a computer implemented method is
provided for generating a project planning document including:
presenting queries relating to a project type to prompt first
inputs from a first user; filtering the first inputs to populate
segments of an initial planning sheet representing an initial
planning path with the filtered first inputs, the filtering based
on user selections from the first user provided in response to the
initial queries to create an initial project plan; presenting a
plurality of additional queries based on the filtered first inputs
to prompt a plurality of secondary inputs; filtering the plurality
of secondary inputs to populate segments of an alternative planning
sheet representing an alternative planning path with filtered
secondary inputs, the filtering based on user selections from the
first user provided in response to the plurality of additional
queries, wherein an alternative project plan is produced from the
alternative planning path, which is different from the initial
project plan, and creating a first guide that includes the
alternative project plan; modifying the alternative project plan in
response to interactive and collaborative queries made between the
first user and a second user to produce a modified alternative
project plan, and creating a second guide that includes the
modified alternative project plan; recording actions taken and the
progress being made in implementing the modified alternative
project plan in a third guide; and generating a project planning
document including at least the information included in the first
guide, the second guide and the third guide.
[0017] In yet another aspect, a computer program product is
provided for managing projects. The computer program product
including a computer useable medium having a computer readable
program. The computer readable program when executed on a computer
causes the computer to: receive an input including user selections
relating to a project type provided by a first user; generate
planning sheets related to the project type and populating segments
of the planning sheets with a first set of data categorized based
on the user selections; grant access to the planning sheets to a
second user and allowing the second user to modify at least a
portion of the first set of data to create a second set of data in
the segments of the planning sheets; and record actions taken by a
third user in implementing a project based on at least portions of
the first and second sets of data in the planning sheets.
[0018] In yet another aspect, a computer-implemented system is
provided including network interface circuitry configured to
receive data and transmit data over a network; and at least one
data processor coupled to the network interface circuitry and
configured by executable instructions to generate a project
planning document based on received data. The executable
instructions including executable instructions for: presenting
queries prompting responses relating to a project of a project
type, the responses provided by a first user; populating segments
of a planning sheet with the data filtered based on project
preferences defined in the responses to the queries, the filtered
data included in a planning guide; modifying the filtered data in
the planning guide in response to interactive and collaborative
queries and responses made between the first user and a second
user, the modified filtered data included in a project guide; and
recording the progress of an implementation by a third user of the
filtered data and modified filtered data to create a project
journal.
[0019] This brief summary has been provided so that the nature of
the embodiments may be understood quickly. A more complete
understanding may be obtained by reference to the following
detailed description of the embodiments along with the attached
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be discussed
in detail with an emphasis on advantageous features thereof. These
embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious aspects of the
disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings, which are for
illustrative purposes only. These drawings include the following
figures, in which like numerals indicate like parts:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary computing
system for implementing the embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a building system including
a process that allows a User to create a custom building project
portfolio in accordance with an embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a design and
construction process provided by the building system in accordance
with an embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the creation of a Vision
album or Planning guide in accordance with an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the creation of a Project
guide in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the creation of a Project
journal in accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 7 provides a diagram illustrating a comprehensive
planning, management and communication tool in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0028] FIGS. 8A and 8B are illustrative examples of a planning
sheet according to an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 8C is an illustrative example of a of a plan section
and an exemplary illustration of its searchable categories
according to an embodiment;
[0030] FIGS. 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating how information is
filtered and stored into the plan sections according to an
embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a screenshot showing an example of a graphical
user interface for the planning system according to an
embodiment;
[0032] FIGS. 11A, 11B and 11C are a diagram and screenshots,
respectively, illustrating features of the inspiration gallery
according to an embodiment;
[0033] FIGS. 12A and 12B are screenshots illustrating features of
the design center according to an embodiment;
[0034] FIGS. 13A and 13B are screenshots illustrating features of a
graphical user interface for the planning system according to an
embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 14A is a diagram representing the interaction between
user groups of the building system according to an embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating the building system of
FIG. 14A as a component of the overall planning system;
[0037] FIG. 15A is a is a graphical illustration representing the
interaction between the planning system and information providers
according to an embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 15B is a screenshot illustrating features of a
graphical user interface for the professionals profile/showcase
listings according to an embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a planning system
including a process that allows a user to create a custom project
in accordance with an embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a process for the
planning system in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0041] FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams illustrating a view of plan,
management, information, organization and communication segments
involved in using the planning system in accordance with an
embodiment; and
[0042] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary
implementation of the planning system in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary
embodiments of a planning system. The planning system of the
present disclosure may be used as a mechanism to create a planning
document related to various project-planning uses. The technical
problem relates to the present inability in the art to be able to
create a planning document that does not require the user to search
volume upon volume of data in various sources in an attempt to
capture pertinent information related to the project. The technical
problem is solved as described below, by providing a planning
system that includes technical features that allow a user's wants,
needs and desires to be quickly and efficiently coordinated in an
interactive and collaborative effort with others to create the
planning document that has the benefit of input from experts,
pundits, and other users. Due to the collaborative and interactive
nature of the planning system, the creation of the planning
document is done faster, more efficient, and resolves more
technical problems and issues than originally realized. The
planning document provides a single document that moves forward in
the planning system while being accessed and refined with potential
input from participants and stakeholders related to the project
with information that is aggregated and organized in the planning
document.
[0044] In one embodiment, the planning system is described as a
building system that outputs a series of guides or reports that
include various forms of data related to the conception, design and
construction phases for creating a building structure (the building
system). In other embodiments, the planning system is described in
more general terms, using other examples, as a project planning
system that outputs a series of guides or reports which include
various forms of data related to the conception, design and
implementation phases for creating a custom project involving
numerous other industries (the project system). The descriptions
set forth the technical features involved in, and the steps for
using the planning system in connection with the illustrated
embodiments. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and structures may be accomplished by different
embodiments, which are intended to be encompassed within the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure, especially those incorporating
a combination of technical features shown in the different
embodiments included herein.
[0045] Many of the functions and technical features described in
this specification have been labeled as modules, steps, processes
or a similar designation, in order to emphasize their
implementation independence. Modules may be implemented in software
for execution by various types of processors. An identified module
of executable code may include one or more physical or logical
blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as an
object, procedure, or function. The executables of an identified
module need not be physically located together, but may include
instructions stored in different locations which, when joined
logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated
purpose for the module. A module of executable codes may be a
single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be
distributed over several different code segments, among different
programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational
data may be identified and illustrated herein within one or more
modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized
within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data
may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over
different locations including over different storage devices, and
may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a
system or network.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one
embodiment of a computing system 100 for executing the adaptive
technical features of the present disclosure described below in
detail. In one exemplary embodiment, the computing system 100 may
include a server 102 or network of exchange servers 102 in
communication with a database 104, and one or more server clients,
workstations, mobile devices, laptops 106 connected to the server
102 through a data network 108. The data network 106 includes a
Local Area Network (LAN), or alternatively, may include a wireless
LAN, a Wide Area Network (WAN), the internet, and the like. In one
embodiment, the server 102 may include a software application that
remains on the server 102 where the clients use a web browser to
interact with the software application.
[0047] The server 102 may provide application services, web
services, mail services, data storage services, and communication
services, used to support operations of the adaptive embodiments.
The server 102 may host an apparatus, software application, or the
like to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. In one
embodiment, a single server 102 may provide some or all of theses
services, or a plurality of servers 102 may be used to provide
these services. The database 104 stores data for use by the server
102. The database 104 may be remote to the server 102, or may
reside on the server 102. The database 104 may include a storage
controller, data storage devices such as magnetic, solid state, or
optical storage disks, data input/output (I/O) controls, and the
like as are well known in the art.
[0048] In one embodiment, the planning system may be provided in
the form of a computer program product for managing projects and
resolving technical issues related to the projects. The computer
program product may include a computer useable medium having a
computer readable program, where the computer readable program when
executed on a computer causes the computer to perform various
steps. In another embodiment, network interface circuitry is
provided and configured to receive data and transmit data over a
network. At least one data processor is coupled to the network
interface circuitry and configured by program instructions to
generate a project planning document based on received data into
the planning system. The data processor may also command
transmissions of at least a part of the project planning document
over the network.
[0049] In one embodiment, the planning system is initially
populated with data and information that enters the planning system
either by request or by grant of permission. As illustrated in FIG.
15A, the data and information is placed in an appropriate sector
collaboration module 1500 to be made available to users of the
planning system to aid in the conception and design of the
projects. Generally, in one embodiment, the data and information
1502 is delivered to the system in a preformatted template, for
example as shown in FIG. 15B, that provides a means to the
information provider to organize all of the information that it has
available or desires to share with the users of the planning system
who desire to access and use the information.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 15A, information sources may be any source
that can contribute and benefit any project, such as by providing
input that solves a problem or suggests a different alternative
that results in a time savings, a cost savings, a better quality
project, and the like. Generally, the data and information 1502 may
fall into certain sectors, which include, but are not limited to,
for example the Public Sector 1506, the Professional Sector 1508,
the Resource Sector 1510 and the Service Sector 1512. As shown in
the sector collaboration diagram 1500 of FIG. 15A, the data and
information 1502 enters the planning system through a data filter
1504. The data filter 1504 organizes, aggregates, codes and
delivers the data and information 1502 for proper placement under
the appropriate sector locations on the system. The proper
placement of the data and information facilitates later use of the
data and information in a project. Other sectors may also come into
the sector collaboration component of the system.
[0051] The data and information 1502 may be coded to facilitate the
searching process. The information and data may be made accessible
through a link, such as, but not limited to, a designated network
listing 1514, a professional showcase 1516, a manufacturer showcase
1518, and a service listing 1520 that reside on the planning
system. In one embodiment, the information provided by the outside
information providers is transferred via the data filter 1504 to
the appropriate action modules residing on the planning system. As
described below, the data and information is placed in, for
example, an Inspiration Gallery, a Design Center or other action
modules, which maintain searchable photos, images, drawings,
renderings schematics, and the like, and which maintain the
information regarding the professionals who provide the services
and products being profiled.
[0052] In one embodiment, the Public Sector 1506 may include, but
is not limited to, for example groups whose services are related to
the interaction between a consumer and public entities. These
groups may include: a) Trade Groups, which may provide a link
between the manufacturers, the industry professionals and the
consumers; b) Non Profits, which may provide links to information
and education and industry best practices; c) Government Agencies,
which may provide links to building codes, restrictions and agency
review processing requirements; d) Utility Companies, which may
provide tips on how to save energy savings; e) Continuing Education
Sources, which may link to schedules of events that are geared
toward serving industry professionals; f) Unions; and g)
Universities. Because of the interaction between the public sector
participants, the planning system promotes bipartisan participation
that results in better project outcomes.
[0053] Industry professionals may come on to the planning system
and provide information which showcases their respective services,
including company information, personal biographies, photos from
their project portfolios, awards, accreditations and the like. In
the context of planning a construction related project, the
Professional Sector 1508 may include, for example, Land Planners,
Architects, Engineers, Designers, Landscape Architects and
Designers, Lighting designers, Green and Sustainability Experts,
Construction Managers, General Contractors, Sub Contractors,
Specialty Contractors, Property Managers and Maintenance Crews. The
Industry Professionals may be identified and categorized by past
work/projects, profession/trade, location, specialty, license,
bond, accreditations and the like on the planning system and may be
listed in a directory type format for ease of use.
[0054] In the Resource Sector 1510, manufacturers and the like, may
include details about their capabilities, prices, availability for
projects and the attributes of their products. The Service Sector
1512 may include information related to financing, lending,
insurance and the like, and include Bankers and Financial
Institutions, Insurance Brokers and Carriers, Real Estate Service
Providers, Appraisers, Pest Control providers, Specialty Service
providers, Marketing Services, Property Managers, Maintenance
Service providers and the like.
[0055] In one embodiment, the groups represented in the sector
collaboration diagram 1500 may form a network that can interact,
collaborate and discuss topics of interest to the groups. For
example, the sector groups may discuss industry needs or share
ideas related to innovations advancing their respective industries.
The sector groups may conduct forums and may form committees
created to incubate ideas that are beneficial to the entire network
of sector groups. The interaction between the sector groups may
take place on blogs or via a similar communication means.
Collaboration between the different groups advances the art by
bringing the overall knowledge of the different groups to a higher
shared level. Thus, the groups may be able to solve problems or
issues for a particular project in a different way that otherwise
would not be available without the facilitation provided by the
present methods, systems, and apparatuses. In most industries and
in most cases each occurrence of a project begins from scratch. The
lessons learned and the experiences from past projects are not
necessarily passed to the next person or group who embark on the
same or similar project type. By using the planning system, the
lessons and the experiences may be shared, saved, organized and
made retrievable when needed by anyone who comes into the process
or has the need to proceed in any complex process/project. Once
solutions are tested and perfected they may become industry
standards. In most cases, the level of understanding, knowledge and
excellence made towards achieving a certain task is elevated
resulting in better project outcomes.
[0056] Upon entering the planning system, the user is able to
search and view any desired information in the system related to
the information that has been provided by the information
providers.
[0057] Generally, a user of the planning system begins by providing
information into a system interface, which may be referred to as a
Planning Kit or a Consultation package. The Planning Kit may
request, query or prompt the user for information regarding project
type and other demographic information, which then leads to
additional requests or prompts that are appropriate to the specific
project identified by the user. In one embodiment, the Cost, Time,
Quality may be specified by a user. The user may specify any one of
the criteria and view products, systems or data related to the one
or more criteria (Cost, Time, Quality). The user may also relate
any two or three of the criteria in degree of importance to a
project to help them refine the project as it relates to these
factors (see FIG. 14C). The information provided by the user is
used to create Planning Sheets. Each project has a set of Planning
Sheets created which identify a complete list of tasks and
requirements necessary to complete a designated project type. In
the Planning Sheets, the tasks, components and requirements are
broken down into segments of various categories and subcategories.
While being created for a specific project, the Planning Sheets are
populated with the data and information provided by the information
providers that are relevant to or skilled in a particular project
type. The Planning Sheets also store and record the user selections
of information from the action modules described below. The
Planning Sheets provide a means by which the user and other
collaborators may continuously populate or edit the Planning Sheets
to provide additional details and refinements related to the
project, as the project progresses from conception to
implementation. Thus, the Planning Sheets represent the framework
of the project, which extends through each phase or the life of the
project. In addition, the Planning Sheets provide access to the
information by all users, which promotes collaboration between
project participants and others, who may access, revise, modify and
input additional data during all phases of a project as described
below.
[0058] After the user has interfaced with the Planning Kit and the
Planning Sheets are created, the user may access action modules,
such as the Inspirations Gallery, the Project Profiles, and other
Professional Showcases, where the user may find information,
products and professional services that facilitate the project and
define the anticipated work. As mentioned above, the Planning
Sheets are populated with the data provided by the user and others.
Each user has access to a System Dashboard and Project Control
Panel. The System Dashboard provides access to system tools. The
Project Control Panel provides access to project specific data. In
one embodiment, this interactive effort when finalized produces the
Vision Album, also referred to as the Planning Guide or Planning
Report, which is a high level review of the project that identifies
the project parameters and guidelines, service selections and
product selections as recorded and stored in the Planning
Sheets.
[0059] The user may then interact and collaborate with an
individual or team dedicated to helping create or design the
project. The design team is granted access to the project via the
Vision Album to allow for an interactive collaboration that allows
the user and the design team to create a Project Guide, which may
also be referred to as the Project Report. The Project Guide
includes the selections made and set forth in the Planning Guide as
well as the revisions, changes, modifications, and deletions, made
in communication, interaction and collaboration with the design
team to refine the selections on an iterative basis and make the
selections final. Once the interactive collaboration with the
design team generates final selections, the design team provides
the plans, specifications and other details that allow one to
actually implement or build the project based on the final
selections. The final selections, specifications, plans and the
like are incorporated into the Project Guide upon approval from the
user.
[0060] After selections are made, access to the project may be
granted to a build team that implements or constructs the project.
The build team remains in contact with both the user and design
team via the planning sheets throughout the implementation process,
as changes and modifications may still be made by the build team
during the building phase. In one embodiment, the build team has
access to customized work orders that are formatted for each trade
and or installation. Each required product for a specific
installation may be listed on the work orders. This helps project
participants from wasting time picking up or ordering materials,
that are sometimes forgotten. Each product on the work orders may
be linked to a calculator built into the form. The user may enter
the size/area or other pertinent information and the calculator
automatically calculates the quantity/size of each item. For
example, a user desires to order drywall for an installation. The
user may access the work order and use the calculator to help the
user identify the number and size of drywall sheets required. The
work order may also list nails, screws, glue, tape, mud, sand paper
and the tools that are generally required for this type of
installation. Once the user enters the wall square footage, the
system calculates the number of sheets, it also identifies the
quantity of nails, screws, tape, mud and the like needed for the
installation. The work orders may be customized by any user to
serve its specific needs. All actions taken by the build team are
documented, journaled or recorded in the planning sheets to
ultimately be assembled in a guide or report referred to as the
Project Journal.
[0061] The final output of the planning system includes a completed
Project Manual or Portfolio that incorporates an assembled
compilation of all the information found in each of the
guides/reports prepared through use of the planning system. In
addition to the information compiled in the project journal, as
products and systems are purchased and installed back up data
including warranty information and maintenance recommendations and
requirements are uploaded into the project data files. All of this
information becomes part of the journal records. In some
embodiments, a maintenance program becomes part of the Project
Manual that is passed along with the completed project. The Project
Portfolio/Building Manual as well as each of the other intermediate
guides, may be presented on disc, printed in a bound book or
presented in a three ring binder form.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for using the
planning system as a building system 200 including a process that
allows a user to create a custom building project plan from a vague
idea or concept in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. The technical features described allow users the
ability to design, plan, manage and implement, for example, a
building construction project. The process takes input from the
user and organizes it into the building system 200 for various
other users or user groups to review and refine.
[0063] In one embodiment, the building system 200 provides a
generally comprehensive site for aspects of the process, such as
for: (1) planning (2) design, (3) building, (4) product needs and
the like to build a building or renovated structure. The building
system 200 may be a web-based, interactive, and collaborative,
planning, designing and facilitating tool that connects an
owner/developer, architect, builder, subcontractor, suppliers, and
other individuals/parties together, on-line from almost any
internet connection in the world, to select, plan, and construct or
renovate a building or structure. By being broad-based and not
limited to a specific geographic location, different tastes, feels,
and cultural inputs can be part of the process.
[0064] Generally, the building system 200 facilitates the
integration of building products and systems into all types of
buildings: residential, commercial, industrial, mid-rise, high-rise
and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the building
system 200 divides the design and construction of any building
Project into at least three divisions or phases. In one embodiment,
the first division or conceptual plan phase includes an
Owner/developer 202 (Owner 202), the second division or plan phase
includes a Design team 204, and the third division or build phase
includes a Build team 206. As described below, the Owner 202,
Design team 204 and the Build team 206 form Users or User Groups
each of which has certain needs, skills sets and responsibilities
in the design and building process as well as responsibilities and
obligations to the other User Groups.
[0065] The Owner 202 represents the User Group that typically
initiates the want or need for the project. The Owner 202 sets
parameters and guidelines, such as, but not limited to, budget,
building type, project type, occupancy, timeline, and the like, as
well as products and services, to describe the overall Vision of
the project. The Owner 202 is responsible for communicating or
reporting the parameters and guidelines to the Design team 204.
[0066] The Design team 204 may include one or many professionals
including, but not limited to, Architects, Builders, Contractors,
Developers and Engineers, Designers, Draftsman and other
professionals, who may be hired by the Owner 202 to design and
create the Building Plan and all the necessary specifications
needed to get the requisite building permits to construct the
Project. The Design team 204 is generally responsible for ensuring
that the Building Plan reflects the Vision of the Owner 202. In one
embodiment, the building system 200 provides a database-driven
project selection menu that allows Professionals to work as a
project team no matter where the team members are geographically
located. For example, for a given construction project, the Design
team may consist of an Architect, a Designer, and a Contractor
(collectively, ADC), who may be experts in their respective fields.
The ADC may each reside in different areas around the globe. In one
embodiment, the building system 200 is accessible via the www;
however, alternatively the system may be deployed on local host
systems. Using the www, the Design team may, for example, view,
select, store, purchase, warehouse and ship products directly to a
project site without ever visiting a material supply store or
meeting face-to-face. The construction project under the care of
the ADC team can view, save, store, modify, specify, and revise any
and all aspects of the project, including making changes in
building materials, piping, roofing materials, and specifying the
use of environmentally friendly products, such as solar panels,
recycled materials, and low flow bathroom fixtures and the
like.
[0067] The Build team 206 may include one or many professionals
including, but not limited to, a General Contractor, Soils
Engineers, Graders, Framers, Plumbers, Electricians, and other
professional tradesman and contractors that may be hired to
construct the Project as designed by the Design team 204 while
adhering to the rules and regulations of the officiating agencies
as well as local planning & building departments or planning
commissions. The Build team 206 is responsible to journal all of
the actions taken and document all of the products and systems
installed that require any type of maintenance or service
throughout the life of the building. In this way, anyone who is
given the task of maintaining the building may know the product and
manufacturer details, which facilitates warranty or repair work.
The Build team 206 is further responsible to record or link
recommended cleaning products/procedures and frequency of
recommended service or maintenance to the Journal and provide to
the Owner 202 a quality completed project that reflects the Owner's
vision for the project.
[0068] The building system 200 allows each User Group to generate
guides or reports that are created to document the progress of a
User's project from concept, through planning, to final
construction in an interactive and innovative process. The guides
may be used individually; however, they may be used in conjunction
with each other. The guides represent the Output created by the
interaction of each User Group with the building system 200, thus
each User Group is responsible for creating a specific guide during
the project. In one embodiment, the guides include a Vision album
208, which may also be referred to as a Planning guide 208, a
Project guide 210 and a Project journal 212. Each guide may
constitute a physical compilation of data that may be viewed,
printed and delivered to the user or other interested party.
Alternatively, the guides may be a virtual (electronic) compilation
of data, hosted on the planning system platform for viewing and
outputting, or that may be electronically delivered to another
party for viewing and subsequent outputting as a printed
document.
[0069] The Vision album 208 is initially created by the Owner 202.
During the concept plan phase (first division), the Owner 202
interacts with various action modules or databases hosted on the
planning system. The action modules and databases provide a
formatted list of project components for the selected project type,
and conceptual design elements, to input, select and clarify the
conceptual design elements, including, but not limited to, all
parameters, requirements, guidelines, products and services and
other initial selections for the project.
[0070] The action modules, described below, work as independent
modules to allow a User to be able to design, plan, track and build
his or her own customized project through a project development
module. When used to create a Project, the action modules help to
limit the information pertinent to the choices made by the User in
order to drive the selection process to creation of a final vision
or concept. The Action modules may also include their own set of
tools and features.
[0071] While creating the Vision album 208, the Owner 202 may
access and interact with information provided by various
information providers, such as those shown in the graph 1500 of
FIG. 15A. As previously mentioned, the information providers may
provide information that showcases or highlights their own services
and products that are available to the Owner 202, which also helps
create the parameters, guidelines, products and services and the
other initial selections for the project.
[0072] Initially, the information provided by the Owner 202 is
divided into the Planning Sheets. The Planning Sheets include
information broken down or separated into segments, phases or
sections, related to certain steps in the construction process. The
sections may be filled, for example, using an intelligent checklist
provided to the Owner 202, for example, like the representative
checklist shown in FIG. 10. The checklist allows the Owner to enter
the project criteria and parameters and guidelines, such as
location, type of construction, number of rooms, size, options,
colors and the like. The selections may be furthered organized into
sets of classes and subclasses for further categorization of the
information. As described below, the Planning Sheets provide a
means for conveying the Building Plan information through the
concept, the plan and the building phases of the construction
project for access by all Users and User Groups as the need arises
(See FIG. 14A). Only one set of Planning Sheets is issued/used per
project. The control and responsibility for recording and
documenting into the Planning Sheets is passed along as the project
progresses from Plan to Design then Build to Maintain Phases. When
the Owner 202 completes and closes his or her Vision Album he or
she passes control to the next team who completes and records the
design and specifications for the project. The planning sheets are
updated as work progresses; thus, everyone is working with the most
current set of project information.
[0073] The Project guide 210 is created by the Design team 204 upon
review of the selections made and set forth in the Vision album 208
by the Owner 202. The Design team 204 communicates, interacts and
collaborates with the Owner 202 as well as other consultants and or
industry experts to refine on an iterative basis and make final the
selections made using the Action modules and databases. The final
selections are incorporated into the Project guide 210 upon
approval from the Owner 202.
[0074] The Project journal 212 is created by the Build team 206 and
is used to track the construction and log the processes and
progress of the construction project as actions are taken to
construct the project. The Project journal 212 may also be used to
manage the delivery of labor and materials to the construction
site.
[0075] The final output of the building system 200 is a completed
Project portfolio 214 that is designed as a Users Guide or Building
Manual for the project, designed to stay with the project, from
owner to owner, or to be used by a manager of, for example, a
commercial building to help manage the building after completion.
The Project portfolio 214 includes the information that has been
generated by the building system 200 for inclusion in each guide.
For example, the Vision album 208, the Project guide 210 and the
Project journal 212, as well as any other information related to or
used in the construction, and that may assist with future
maintenance, repairs and renovations, including, but not limited
to, all actions taken, all plans, drawings, permits,
specifications, engineering calculations, product warranties,
service contracts and the like are included in the Project
portfolio.
[0076] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a design and
construction process s300 provided by the building system 200 in
accordance with an embodiment. With reference now to FIG. 2 in
addition to FIG. 3, the design and construction process s300
involves developing the Vision album 208 (s302), developing the
Project guide 210 (s304) and developing the Project journal 212
(s306) for a particular project initiated by the Owner 202. Each of
the steps in the process (s300) is completed by one of the three
User groups 202, 204 and 206, alone or in combination, before being
handed off to the next User group for further refinements,
modifications, additions, subtractions and implementation.
[0077] Once each of the guides has been created, all the guides and
other pertinent information are assembled into the completed
Project portfolio 214 (s308), which includes the complete package
of design and construction documents and information.
[0078] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the process (s302) of
developing the Vision album 208 in accordance with an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the conceptual plan process of the building
system 200 includes the development of the Vision album 208 (s302)
initiated by the Owner 202. The Owner 202 may be prompted or
otherwise provides and specifies the nature and scope of the
project. The Owner 202 may access the conceptual design elements
module 402, which provides access to the Action modules or
databases, which in one embodiment includes a Consultation package
404, an Inspiration gallery 406, a Design center 408 and a
Scrapbook 410.
[0079] The Consultation package 404 allows the Owner 202 to
identify and record the functionality, the look, specific desires
and budget constraints up front through using a guided consultation
and a visual step-by-step selection process. In one embodiment, the
Owner 202 is offered a preformatted online consultation package,
which is designed to produce the information that enables the
Design team 204 to understand and serve the Owner 202 throughout
the process. The consultation package 404 may be formatted,
designed and customized for each and every industry project type.
For example, the consultation package is different for each
project, such as career, education or wedding planning. In the
building system 200, the consultation package 404 may be customized
for each type of building project, for example, residential,
multifamily, commercial, office/retail, industrial, and light/heavy
building projects. Once the Owner 202 completes the consultation, a
project information file 404a is generated, which includes the
selected guidelines.
[0080] The Inspiration Gallery 406 provides the Owner 202 with the
ability to view photos, images, and other samples of, for example,
products, completed projects including award winning and green
certified examples, floor plans and layouts and systems that are
meant to inspire or generate ideas in the mind of the User. The
images selected are grouped into a selected images file 406a (FIG.
4). FIG. 11A is a diagram of an embodiment of the Inspiration
Gallery 406. As shown in this figure, images 1102 are coded and
loaded into the Inspiration Gallery 406 via the planning sheets
(described below) from the information providers, from other
projects and from other industry sources. The Owner 202 may provide
access to any person or group who the Owner desires to share their
vision of the project during the Plan Phase. Comments received may
be stored in an in-box for the Owner 202 to incorporate in some
manner if desired. The Inspiration Gallery 406 may include, for
example, thousands of images to millions of images available for
viewing. In this embodiment, the User is able to access the
Inspiration gallery 406 to view and select various images to help
inspire his or her own project. The images may be displayed in a
thumbnail format as shown in the screenshot depicted in FIG. 11B.
The User may select an image 1102 that is already related to a
project, in which case, the User may click on the image 1102 and
further details 1106 regarding a specific image 1104 are made to
appear as shown in FIG. 11C. The further details may include the
names of products used and the names of professional service
providers who provided the services. In one embodiment, a toolbar
1108 may be made available for annotating, tagging, titling,
cropping, labeling and making notes to the selected images. The
User may save project related images directly into the vision
album. The project related images stored in the vision album are
stored in the planning sheets related to the particular project.
The User may save images that are unrelated to a project, but still
coded from the planning sheets to a scrapbook for later use.
[0081] Referring again to FIG. 4, the Design center 408 provides a
virtual marketplace from which the Owner 202 may make selections of
building materials and products. The Design center 408 includes the
ability to filter the choices made available to the user so that
the building materials and products reflect only those items that
correspond to the User's Vision as evidenced by selections found in
the project information file 404a and the selected images file
406a. In one embodiment, the Owner 202 is allowed to research,
compare, save and purchase products for the Project. In yet another
embodiment, the Design center 408 may provide product choices that
offer Green and sustainable products and systems so that the Owner
202 may optimize the Healthy, Green, Sustainable (HGS) nature of
the project. The selections from the Design center 408 are placed
into a selected products file 408a. In one embodiment, for each
selection that an Owner 202 makes in the conceptual design element
module 402, he or she is presented with additional ideas on how to
implement the selection. In some embodiments, the additional ideas
are provided to promote ideas that optimize the HGS nature of the
project.
[0082] FIGS. 12A and 12B are screenshots illustrating features of
the Design center 408 according to an embodiment. The Design center
408 is available to any User Group. The Users are allowed to view,
select and purchase products. The Design center provides a portal
for building materials, products and systems. In one embodiment,
Professionals may be allowed to join a co-op type of membership
where they may buy in bulk and presumably save money. In the design
center, various products may be bundled and prepackaged for special
offerings to users of the planning system. Preformatted work orders
are also available to make the planning process for any industry
installation more effective, efficient and complete.
[0083] In some embodiments, the Owner 202 may be allowed to save,
organize and share his or her own images, product descriptions,
professional referrals and the like in a separate images file
referred to as a Scrapbook 410 created by the Owner 202. The data
saved in the Scrapbook 410 may be compiled from sources outside the
building system platform and may or may not be associated with a
particular project. In one embodiment, the Vision Album may receive
information from outside websites as directed by the user. A user
using the planning system may be authorized to select images while
visiting other websites. Thus, each image that the user selects may
be stored in the Scrapbook 410 via a link back to the image's
originating URL. The actual selections made from the Scrapbook 410
are placed into a selected images file 410a for use in developing
the Vision Album 208.
[0084] In some embodiments, a Bid/Information Inquiry Room may be
created so that the Owner 202 has the ability to post requests for
bids to qualified professionals for acceptance or in the
alternative may post requests for proposals so that qualified
professionals may bid on a particular project or phase of a
project. This particular feature facilitates and improves the
accuracy of project forecasting and budgeting. The information
drawn from the Bid Room may also be stored for use in the Vision
Album.
[0085] Next, the information and data from the project information
file 404a, the selected images file 406a, the selected products
file 408a, and the user compiled information 410a, including any
other information provided by the information providers 412, are
compiled into the Vision album 208. It should be noted that the
Owner 202 may start, save, and restart the development of the
Vision album 208 at anytime and continue the development for as
long as necessary to complete the guide or until the Owner is ready
to proceed with the Project. In some instances, the Owner 202 may
plan over an extended period, for example, from one month to
upwards of 2-3 years or more to collect all of the data desired for
the Project. Once fully developed, the Vision album 208 may be
accessed by the Design team 204 or other industry consultants for
incorporation of the information into the planning phase (second
division) of the building system 200.
[0086] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process (s304) of
developing the Project guide 210 in accordance with an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, once the Vision album 208 is created, the
information flow and collaboration between the Owner 202 and the
Design team 204 begins to refine the Vision album 208 and develop
the Project guide 210. The development of the Project guide 210
involves input from the Design team 204, which may include a host
of Professionals, such as, for example, interior designers,
architects, civil engineers, electricians, sound system
specialists, landscape designers and the like. The Design team 204
reviews the Vision of the Project created by the Owner 202 set
forth in the Vision album 208 and reforms or modifies the Vision
into a workable reality with concrete line items, design criteria,
specifications, plans and the like.
[0087] The Design team 204 may access the Vision album 208 to
retrieve the information from the planning sheets necessary to
begin formulating the Building Plan. The Design team 204 can use
the information stored in the planning sheets as a guide and
template to understand the needs of the Owner 202 for the Project.
Any information that may be lacking may then be addressed by the
Design team 204 using inquiries to the Owner 202. Similarly, the
Design team 204 may access the Consultation package 404, the
Inspiration gallery 406, the Design center 408 and the Scrapbook
410 to determine what the Owner 202 needs, wants and desires are
for the Project. In many case, the Owner 202 or Design team 204 may
determine that early involvement of the entire team to include the
Build team 206 is advisable for the best project outcome. All
participants are able at one time to access and comment or upload
data to the project and the project planning sheets through the
planning system. In one example, the Design team 204 from a first
geographic location contributes to the planning sheets and the
Consultation package 404 but cannot resolve or provide a final
workable solution. However, a Design team, Build team or industry
sector(s) member/group 1500 from a second geographic location,
because of its different experience, exposure, and expertise, is
able to contribute to the planning sheets and provide a final
workable solution.
[0088] Advantageously, the building system 200 allows for complete
collaboration between members of the User Groups. Here, the Design
team 204 is able to go into the conceptual design element module
402 and process its work in one place using the Inspirations
gallery 406 to determine the desired look of the project. The
Design team is also able to go into the Consultation package 404
and Scrapbook 410 to find the needs, wants and desires of the Owner
202 and the Design center 408. The Design team is further able to
go into the provider information 412 to search, select and store
the products and systems the Owner desires to be used on the
project. Any work that is not processed on the planning system may
be uploaded into the project files becoming an inclusive source for
all information and documentation on the project. Users are able to
use forms such as payment requests, requests for payments, lien
releases, proposals and contracts that are provided on a User
Dashboard. These forms can be customized by the User or the User
may up-load his own form. The process for bidding and billing may
be a guided process, where all of the forms, including lien
releases and payment requests are part of a checklist that is
posted on the planning system. Once the forms are on the planning
system, the forms maybe made available to any other User to avoid
the use of separate forms and processes. The forms may be
pre-vetted by a legal team or attorney. Having pre-vetted forms
available is a valuable resource, for example, when a project has
bank financing and there is a voucher system or payment control
system in place.
[0089] Once conceptual design elements are refined by the Design
team 204 and approved by the Owner 202, the elements are considered
approved design elements. The approved design elements are then
grouped into the Project guide 210 for delivery to the Build team
206. In some cases, especially when the intent is to certify a
project as an HGS project, the Build team including subcontractors
may be involved earlier on in the process. This earlier input may
help to insure that everyone has had a chance to give their input,
which may result in fewer changes during construction. The HGS
projects are designed to function in a certain capacity and to have
low levels of toxicity throughout the project. The Health of the
occupants and the Environment are both considered when specifying
products and systems. In many cases systems and components that are
specified are designed to serve one another or to function
together. When random changes occur during construction the
building may no longer functions as originally designed. By having
a communication and collaboration platform available, the Users may
invite any member of any team onto the planning system at any time
to comment or critique a decision. Thus, decisions may be based on
complete information and understanding.
[0090] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process (s306) of
developing the Project journal 212 in accordance with an
embodiment. In the building phase (third division) of the Project,
the Build team 206, which may include, but not limited to,
contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and the like, receives the
Project guide 210 to implement the line items identified in the
guide. The implementation may include a number of duties, all of
which are detailed in the Project journal 212. For example, part of
the collaborating and managing duties includes working with product
suppliers on delivery, budget, warehousing, shipping, and
scheduling.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 6, after receiving the project guide 210,
the Build team 206 may access a management module 602. The
management module 602 may include a system dashboard module 604a
and a project dashboard module 604b, which provide tools and
controls that streamline the construction processes. For example,
as shown in the screenshots 1300 of FIGS. 13A and 13B, in one
embodiment, the system dashboard module 604a provides the ability
to schedule, manage, collaborate, document, budget and the like,
and share and communicate with other Users on the project. The
project dashboard module 604a may also provide a management tool
allowing for management of one or more projects. The project
dashboard module 604b is a project specific tool where a user
manages and accesses all data stored to a specific project
including data and information from the Inspirations Gallery,
Products Directory, Project Gallery, Professional Showcases and the
like.
[0092] Referring again to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the management
module 602 provides access to, for example, the Design center 408
and the selected products file 408a. The information assembled in
the selected products file 408a provides the Build team 206 a guide
from which to bid on products and services, schedule deliveries,
communicate and collaborate on owner/developer approved products,
budget actual costs, order and track product orders, and record any
modifications that are made during the process. The Build team 206
assembles, compiles and records the actions taken to implement the
project, including the information and data generated in the
management module 602 about the Project into the Project journal
212.
[0093] While developing the Project journal 212, the Build team 206
is involved with the actual construction of the Project. Thus, the
Project journal 212 is also supplemented with information and data
detailing the actual actions taken to construct the Project.
Because of the detailed accounting in the Project journal 212, the
Project journal helps to reduce any misunderstandings,
miscommunications and misinformation that sometimes plague other
construction planning schemes. The Project journal 212 may provide
a valuable tool in helping to avoid or reduce the impact of any
arbitration or litigation that may stem from the construction
Project.
[0094] As a final step in the process (s308) of the building system
200, the aggregate of the information assembled in the Vision album
208, the Project guide 210, and the Project journal 212 are
assembled into the Project portfolio 214, which now includes
detailed information about every aspect of the construction
Project. The completed Project portfolio 214 is provided to the
Owner 202 to provide a historical guide that may be helpful with
regard to future maintenance and renovation projects. For example,
when a product or system breaks down and repairs are needed, the
owner or maintenance person may refer to the Project portfolio 214
to determine who manufactured and installed the product or system
and who to go to for warranty work and the like. In many instances,
the information provided in the Project portfolio 214 makes it
possible to repair instead of replace, since the product
information is available to re-order or find parts. In the event
that an addition, remodel or renovation is to be made to the
Project, the Project portfolio 214 may provide information that may
be needed to efficiently begin the new Project. For example,
information regarding the locations of critical support beams,
electrical outlets, sewer line, pluming pipes and the like, may
reduce the need to open up walls, break up concrete or climb in
attics or crawl spaces to get the same information. Engineering
specifications and the like kept in the Project portfolio 214 may
help to reduce the time required to obtain a permit for new
construction. Choices made regarding room colors, wall textures,
fabrics, carpets, fixtures and other finish products may help to
facilitate these selections for a renovated space, as well as
ensure consistency of quality. Thus, the technical features of the
computer-implemented process for generating a planning document
should be understood to include the ability to generate a first
guide or report that includes parameters, guidelines, product
selection and service selection relating to a project selected by a
first user; generate a second report that includes modifications to
at least one of the parameters, guidelines, product selection, and
service selection relating to the project based on input by a
second user; and generate a third report that journals actions to
be taken in implementing the project using the parameters,
guidelines, product selection and service selection set forth in
the first report and as modified in the second report.
[0095] In one embodiment, a user may access the planning system not
to plan an entire project, but instead to use the planning system
to document a project. The user may enter the project criteria into
the planning system that delivers a set of planning sheets to the
user. The user journals all of the product and system data as it is
being installed. The user may do additional research and document
the products installed before the information is lost. With this
information, the user may create a type of Project Portfolio, which
serves as a valuable tool for the Owner and future Owners of the
building. The Project portfolio will also be valuable to a building
owner or an insurance company in the case of a catastrophic loss.
The Owner will not have to go back and try to recreate the
structure and the components from scratch. The insurance company
will also be able to rely on an accurate set of data and will not
be subject to paying for or replacing items that were not
installed. The Project portfolio is also a valuable tool to
Developers who build and turn over a project where recommended or
mandatory maintenance should be done but could be overlooked. An
example is a developer who builds a condominium complex, sells the
units and turns the project over to a HOA. The project has decks on
some of the upper levels that require maintenance and recoating
every 3 to 5 years. Seven years after completing the project the
builder is notified that the decks are leaking and that there is
rotting structural members and damage to the lower units. The
builder delivered a Project Portfolio that included a ten year
maintenance schedule to the HOA. The schedule called out and
notified the HOA that the decks were due to be cleaned and recoated
at three year intervals. The maintenance schedule called out the
products to be used and the company who provided the service in the
area. The HOA was unorganized and overlooked the deck coating
process. The HOA was unable to produce documentation that it had
followed through on its responsibility, thus the developer/builder
and their insurance companies are not liable. However, with a
schedule that provides the information needed by the HOA and
notifies the HOA when the work is to be done makes it easy for the
HOA to maintain and upkeep buildings. Another advantage of the
Project Portfolio is realized when a building is being renovated or
demolished. The Owner/Builder/Developer can each post the project
on line and make its soon to be discarded materials available to
charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity who may be
interested in pulling out some of the products and materials to
recycle or reuse, therefore reducing waste at overfilling landfills
and demolition costs.
[0096] FIG. 7 provides a diagram illustrating a comprehensive view
of the start to finish, plan, management and communication segments
involved in the planning system as it relates more specifically to
the planning sheets in accordance with an embodiment. The diagram
provides a visual representation of how information is fed into
each segment, from a previous segment, and into the planning sheets
of the planning system to provide a completed Project portfolio 214
in accordance with an embodiment.
[0097] In the context of the building system 200, the process shown
in FIG. 7 is generally initiated by the owner or developer that
desires to either build a new structure or renovate an existing
structure. In operation, the Owner 202 provides information
regarding the concept or vision for the project. One aspect of the
information includes project criteria information, such as
location, type of construction, type, use and number of rooms,
sizes, options and other associated parameters and guidelines. The
information may be inserted into building system 200 using any well
know user interface, for example, but not limited to, a graphical
user interface via finable forms, selectable lists or images, and
prompts, such as via an iterative interview process and the like.
As previously described, all information regarding the Project is
entered into building system 200 via the planning sheets that
incorporate a means to classify building parameters, products and
processes. In the planning sheets, products, services, systems and
the like are categorized and may be selected using a systematic
approach that follows an order that emulates closely with how a
building is actually constructed as opposed to, for example, the
typical Construction Standard Institute (CSI) order of product
selection. The planning sheets provide a visual tool that allows
Professionals, as well as project owners, to view, select, store
for review and purchase building products, services and systems
through each segment of the construction project.
[0098] In FIG. 7, the planning sheets 702 are represented as a
wheel or circle divided into individual plan sections 704. Each
individual plan section 704 represents a different phase or aspect
of the design/construction process, thus allowing the User to
individually account for most or all aspects of the construction
process. As shown in the figure, the planning sheets 702 transcend
through the entire system. As the system continues toward the
formation of the Project portfolio 214, the planning sheets 702
visually narrow, representing the fact that the information and
data regarding the Project have become refined and finalized
because of the communication, interaction and collaboration of the
User Groups.
[0099] The plan sections 704 may be divided into any number of
phases or aspects that may be considered a part of the construction
process, and may be individually customized by each User for each
particular project. As shown in the graphical example in FIGS. 8A
and 8B, in one embodiment, the plan sections 704 may include, but
are not limited to, plan sections, such as project analysis,
infrastructure, systems schematics, site preparation and grading,
foundation and underground, building structure, shell and core,
mechanical, plumbing and electrical, weatherproof and insulation,
interior finishes, exterior finishes and site finishes,
maintenance, warranty and the like. The planning sheets are broken
down to achievable phases of the project then to the components and
tasks that need to be selected then worked on or installed. A
budget may be attached to the components (e.g. labor and
materials), and a schedule is created so the tasks flow through the
project as referenced by the planning sheets.
[0100] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8B, the planning sheets
702 may be divided into at least three sections. For example,
Section 1 (712a) may include the front-end project planning data.
The front-end project planning data may include plan sections 704
related to Land use/Zoning, infrastructure, architecture, landscape
and the like. Section 2 (712b) represents the plan, design and
build phases of a construction project. The plan sections 704
include systems and schematics, site prep and grading and interior
finishes, for example. Section 3 (712c) represents the post
construction section of the planning sheets. The plan sections 704
in the post construction section include, for example, maintenance
and upkeep, warranty facilitation.
[0101] The plan sections 704 may be further divided into
classes/categories and subclasses/subcategories that account for
particular aspects of the phase or aspect of the construction, such
as materials, products, systems and processes that fall into each
phase. For example, FIG. 8C shows a representative plan section 704
for a particular project, such as Building Structure Shell and
Core. The plan section 704 indicates classifications 804, including
for example, Floor systems 804a and Wall Systems 804b, which
includes a subclass for Exterior Walls 806a and Interior Walls
806b. Exterior Walls 806a, for example, has sub-classes for
Concrete 808a, Masonry 808b, Steel 808c and Wood 808d. The
sub-classes may have further sub-subclasses, such as CIF's 808a and
Pour-in-place 808b.
[0102] The plan sections 704 may be individually searchable among
each classification and sub classification by all User Groups. As
shown in FIG. 8C, the information stored in the plan section 704
may be represented as a tree with branches 810 that store all of
the pertinent information searchable within the particular plan
section 704. For example, for a particular classification, the plan
section 704 may store data and information related to professional
services needed or desired, building code information, if
appropriate, best practice tips to share with the build team or
others, availability of equipment and tools that may be required,
and public and governmental resource information, if needed. Any
particular plan section 704 may include other branches of
information if the project or classification so requires.
[0103] In one embodiment, once a planning sheet 702 and product
category is selected, the Design center 408 may compile a list of
products with associated information. If the User chooses, filters
may be used to narrow product selections in view of previously
designated preferences. In one embodiment, the User may preview all
of the products, sort them, compare them and save them for later
access. As shown in FIG. 12B, details 1202 regarding a particular
product may be selected for viewing. The details may include, for
example, an overview, specifications, user reviews, additional
photos, video, certifications, and a list of items related to the
product.
[0104] In one example, in a plan section 704, a classification 804b
related to Wall Systems for Exterior Walls 806a may have a
sub-classification for materials, which may include concrete 808a,
masonry 808b, steel 808c, and wood 808d. Thus, the search tree 810
may include wall designs and products available for building a
particular wall type, a list of professionals that may provide the
materials for the walls, building codes for building the various
types of walls, equipment and equipment providers, best practices
for building walls and various resources available for making sure
that the wall is environmentally friendly, for example.
[0105] Referring again to FIG. 7, the User maybe inspired by images
and suggestions that are made available for selection via the
action modules or databases including the Consultation package 404,
the Inspiration gallery 406, the Design center 408 and the
Scrapbook 410. The selections made using these modules populate the
appropriate plan section 704 in the planning sheets 702.
[0106] In one embodiment, informational segments 706 may be
provided, which provide all types of information that may be useful
to Professionals, Owners and Developers for making selections
regarding materials, products, systems, contractors, subcontractors
and the like. The Informational components may be updated
periodically as new and useful information becomes available. The
information provided may be accessed by any User of the building
system and may stand alone as a separate database of information.
The Informational components include, but are not limited to:
[0107] Building Classifieds--a networking component for Users to
list building related materials, services, projects and the like
for sale or use to other Users.
[0108] Green Info--the latest and most straight-forward information
about Green products and services, for example, design samples and
installation schematics, building practices, products, systems,
what works and what does not work and the like as well as rebates
and incentives for Users to consume at retailers and wholesalers in
a particular geographic region.
[0109] Find & List Professional Services--a directory of
professionals from around the world, including Architects,
Engineers, Designers, Builders, Installers and the like in a
particular geographic region.
[0110] Thus, the technical features of the computer-implemented
process for generating a planning document should be understood to
include mechanisms configured to receive an input from a first user
that includes user selections relating to a project type; generate
planning sheets related to the project type and populate segments
of the planning sheets with a first set of data categorized based
on the first user selections; grant access to the planning sheets
to a second user and allow the second user to modify at least a
portion of the first set of data to create a second set of data in
the segments of the planning sheets; and grant access to the
planning sheets to a third user and allow the third user to journal
the actions to be taken in implementing a project based on at least
portions of the first and second sets of data in the planning
sheets. A further feature of the present computer implemented
process is provisions for allowing the first user, the second user,
and the third user from three remote locations to interact. In one
example, the first user and the third user are from two different
states. In other example, the first user and the second user are
from two different continents. In yet another example, the second
user and the third user are from different states or from different
countries. In still yet another example, the first user and the
second user are from different countries.
[0111] It may be noted that the vast amount of information and the
number of selectable choices may overwhelm the User of the building
system 200. Thus, the building system 200 includes a filtering
mechanism 710 that provides a means for the User to narrow or limit
his or her choices based on the specific project criteria and other
information as well as selections made from, for example, the
inspiration gallery and design center provided by the User. The
number and types of filters can vary depending on the project type.
In one embodiment related to the building construction project, the
filters may include project scope filter, climate zone filter,
architectural style filter, systems filter, foundation/flooring
filter, foundation filter, color filter, material filters and the
like.
[0112] As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 9A, data and
information 1502 come into the building system and are passed
through data filter 1504 to organize, aggregate and deliver the
data and information into various action modules and databases of
the system. The filter 710a causes the information and data 902 to
be reduced and segregated into appropriate plan sections 704. The
segregated information and data 902 are saved and organized into
appropriate classes and subclasses in the planning sheets 702. In
one embodiment, the filter 710a receives all the information and
data 902 including design parameters, selections and other
guidelines provided or selected by the User in the Consultation
package 404, the Inspiration gallery 406, the Design center 408,
the Scrapbook 410 and from the information providers 412. The
filter 710a then organizes and codes the information and data into
actual plan sections 704 of the planning sheets 702. The
information and data 902 are selected via filter 710a based on User
selections made, for example, in the initial consultation. FIG. 10
illustrates an example of a user interface 1002 for the
consultation used to prompt the User for desired guidelines and
parameters. In this example, the information selected in the
consultation engages filter 710a to distribute only real or related
information and data through the filter 710a. In one example, if a
User enters a guideline suggesting that all floors in the Project
are to be made of wood, then the filter 710a ensures that all
information and data regarding marble floors and carpeting is
subsequently excluded and that only data and information related to
wood floors enters and is organized into the planning sheets. It
should be understood that the consultation may be later customized
or modified and updated at any time during the construction
project. Accordingly, the filter 710a is configured to update the
data and information in the planning sheets to correspond to the
updated data and information.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, in one embodiment, a second
filter 710b is provided that takes the segregated information and
data 902 and further narrows the information data into specific
primary selections for a particular project. In one embodiment, the
second filter 710b may arrive at the narrowed selections by for
example, actual user selections made, further questioning of the
User regarding specific choices and their compatibility,
desirability and usability with other choices and/or the overall
Vision of the project. The primary selections are stored in the
primary results portion 910 of the planning sheets 702.
[0114] Referring again to FIG. 7, once the primary results portion
910 of the planning sheets has been filled with the primary
selections, the user may choose to revisit various selections and
make changes or modifications. However, at this stage, the
filtering mechanism 710b has narrowed the information and data to a
comprehensible selection of products, photos and options. The
information in the planning sheets is now ready via further
refinements through filter 710c made because of the interactive
collaboration with other users (FIG. 9B) for use in the Vision
Album, Project Guide and Project Journal as described below.
[0115] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the building system 200 uses the
information saved and stored in the planning sheets 702 to guide
the Owner 202 to develop the Vision album 208. The Design team 204
uses the Vision album 208 in collaboration with the Owner 202 to
further refine via filters 705 and modify the information and data
in the plan sections 704 to develop the Project guide 210. The
Project guide 210 is then provided to the Build team 206, which
ultimately bids and constructs the project based on the ideas and
plans set forth in the Project guide 210 inspired by the Vision
album 208. The Build team 206 creates the Project journal 212 that
incorporates all the actions taken and other final information and
data associated with the Project. In combination, the Vision album
208, the Project guide 210 and the Project Journal 212 are combined
to form the Project portfolio 214--a Users Guide for the Owner 202
and subsequent owners and managers.
[0116] Thus, the technical features of the computer-implemented
process for generating a project planning document may include
mechanisms for presenting queries prompting responses relating to a
project type, the responses provided by a first user in generating
a first set of data; filtering the first set of data and populating
segments of a planning sheet with the filtered first set of data
based on project preferences defined in the responses to the
queries, the filtered first set of data included in a planning
guide; modifying the first set of data in the planning guide in
response to interactive and collaborative queries made between the
first user and a second user to create a project guide having a
second set of data; and recording progress of an implementation by
a third user of the project guide to create a project journal. The
project journal may include actions to be taken in implementing a
project based on at least portions of the first and second sets of
data in the planning sheets. In a still further example, the
project journal contains schedules, projects tasks, contact
information, manufacturer information, and pictures. In one
example, the second set of data contains less than 90% of the data
from the first set of data. In another example, the second set of
data contains less than 50% of the data from the first set of data.
The change in the second set of data from the first set of data is
due, at least in part, by the collaborative interaction between the
first user and the second user, which includes any other person,
group or party who is invited to comment on, share ideas and
information on the project, In some cases, the second user is
located in a different geographic location, such as a different
state from the first user. In another embodiment, the second user
is located in a different country from the first user. In yet
another embodiment, the second user is located in a different
continent from the first user. However, the first user and the
second user can always be located in close proximity to one
another. The system has the ability to permit access by users or
members that are in close proximity to one another or at remote
locations from one another.
[0117] Advantageously, since all work is recorded and stored in the
planning sheets and subsequently output in the reports or guides,
lost information, miscommunications and misunderstandings may be
reduced or eliminated between User Groups. During each phase, the
planning system may be configured so that only one User Group has
the ability to record final data into the planning sheets. However,
all of the members of a User Group have the ability to access the
Project and input data into the planning sheets. When there is
consensus between required members then the lead User of that phase
enters the final data, (the owner/developer) into the Vision album
208, the Design team 204 into the Project guide 210 or the Build
team 206 into the Project journal 206. In another example,
different member combinations can edit and record data.
[0118] The planning process developed through the building system
200 provides the advantage of allowing complete collaboration by
various Users from anywhere in the world with access to the www.
Thus, if the Owner 202 wishes to make a change at any time during
the Project then the change can be updated into the appropriate
output guide. In light of the availability of mobile phones or
handheld computers with internet access capability, changes may be
made or acknowledged almost instantaneously. For example, if the
change is made during the design phase then the change is noted by
the Design team 204 as part of the Project guide 210. If the change
occurs during the construction phase then it is journaled by the
Build team 206 and shows up in the completed Project portfolio 214.
Thus, the planning system allows for project collaboration between
the entities involved in the building process. The project
collaboration results in a project that transforms from a first
state to a second state or to a third state and wherein the second
state and the third state differ from the first state by at least
10% or more. By different in state, it is understood to mean
different in concept, design, or implementation that would require
at least 10% or more man-hours to modify from the first state.
[0119] FIG. 14A is a graphical representation of the project
collaboration between the various users of the planning system 1400
(used as the building system) using the project planning sheets
1402 as the framework that permeates through the entire planning
process as described above. The graph in FIG. 14A is intended to
highlight the interactive and collaborative capability that the
building system 200 is able to provide while a project is being
developed. Since all inputs, changes, and modifications are
recorded and stored in the planning sheets 1402, the
Owner/developer 1406 (Owner 1406) is able to interact with the
planning sheets 1402 to develop the Vision Album/Planning Guide
1404. As shown in the graph, advantageously, throughout the
planning process, the Owner 1406 may be able to interact and
transact business with others who are figuratively in-the-loop as
they are able to be kept abreast of the project planning. The Owner
1406 may be able to interact with Service Sector providers 1408
while development of the planning guide is underway. The Service
Sector providers 1408, which may include insurance brokers,
bankers, appraisers and the like, may be granted access to the
planning sheets 1402 so that while a project is being developed,
these providers are privy to the actual progress being made on a
project. This information helps the Service Sector providers
provide their services to the Owner 1406 in a timely and effective
manner. For example, the Owner may be contemplating building a
two-story building. The Owner's selections as they relate to the
proposed building and stored in the planning sheets may be accessed
by an insurance broker who may review the Owner's actual selections
(e.g. square footage, masonry building, fireproof materials used)
to provide an accurate quote based thereon. Subsequently, the Owner
may change the plan to include only a single story building. The
insurance broker may be notified of this change via email, text or
other alert and may again access the planning sheets to determine
how the project has been modified so as to provide an updated quote
to the Owner.
[0120] Next, the design team 1410, which may include, for example,
land planners, engineers, architects and the like, has a
communication link to the Owner 1406 as well as a link through the
planning sheets 1402. This interactive collaboration between the
Owner 1406 and the Design team 1410 directly and via the planning
sheets 1402 leads to the development of the Project guide 1412.
However, as the graph illustrates, the Design team 1410 may also
have a communication link to the Service Sector providers, who also
maintain a link to the planning sheets 1402 and the Owner 1406.
These links allow for continuous collaboration between the groups
so that all are aware of the continuing progress of the project. In
this way, each group can provide their respective services using
the latest information available. In one example, the Design team
1410 may have a communication link to outside agencies 1414 that
may be used to review a project for compliance with local
ordinances and the like while the Design team is preparing
specifications and plans. The outside agencies are also granted
access to the planning sheets 1402, so that the agency is able to
view the project plan directly. In another example, the system
sends electronic messages 1433, such as texts, emails and the like
to one or more members of the outside agencies, design team
members, and providers to log into the planning sheets and project
guides to provide input. The electronic messages 1433 may be
self-triggered based on predetermined criteria or triggered by any
one of the members and users.
[0121] The Design team 1410 communicates directly with the Build
team 1416 to relay the project guide 1412 to the Build team so that
implementation of the project may commence. The Build team 1416 has
access to the planning sheets 1402 and maintains a direct
communication link with the Owner 1406 and the outside agency
reviewers. The Build team records their actions taken to implement
the project, which are maintained in the Project journal 1418.
Again, each group is kept in-the-loop via the planning sheets 1402
and other direct communication links so that as the project
progresses, each component of the group can maintain an updated
outlook and provide updated services as needed. For example, the
Build team may require a change due to an unforeseen circumstance
in the building plan. The remainder of the groups would be alerted
of the change. Each group could access the planning sheets, review
the change and take appropriate actions if required.
[0122] Finally, all of the information compiled in the planning
guide 1404, the project guide 1412, and the project journal 1418
are assembled or recorded into the Building Manual 1420. The
Building manual 1420 may then be accessed by the Owner 1406 or by a
building/property manager 1422 that now has access to all
information related to the building that has been compiled from the
beginning to the end of the project. Thus, if the manager needs to
coordinate for example, repair of the HVAC system in the building,
he can access the Building manual 1420 and determine which
sub-contractor installed the original HVAC system and is then able
to determine if the HVAC system is still under warranty.
[0123] FIG. 14B is a graphical illustration of the overall
components of the planning system 1400 in accordance with an
embodiment. In the data and information aggregation and
distribution phase, the data and information enters the system via
data filter 1504 of graph 1500. The data is then accessible by a
user who can use actions modules, such as the inspiration gallery
1436 and the scrapbook 1438 to review the data and information. As
previously described, once the User enters the site via the
planning kit 1440, the User is given the opportunity to enter
project specific data and make decisions that engage filters that
control the flow of data through the site to populate the planning
sheets 1442. The filters are engaged by selecting building type,
for example, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Multifamily,
Live/Work, Midrise or Highrise and the like. The User also may be
asked to select a project location through a map or zip code that
may specify climate type, an architectural style if desired, and
the like. Each of these decisions engages the filters that allow
the system to select, sort and deliver the photos, materials,
products, systems and services that suit their specific needs.
Thus, the user will not be shown the entire database, but rather
those parts that the user not only may need to see but also should
see, since the planning system does not just deliver choices but
also suggests them.
[0124] The building system 1400 provides, for example, Architects,
Builders, Contractors, Developers and Engineers (collectively, the
Professionals) with project pre-planning and proper-planning
options by allowing the Professionals to select and purchase
competitively priced building products using the Bid Room 1424
through all phases of the construction project including selection,
purchase and delivery of these products, thus enabling the
Professionals to spend less time to complete their projects and for
less money.
[0125] The building system 1400 provides visual tools and easy to
understand instructions so that Professionals, as well as project
owners and developers, may purchase environmentally friendly
(Green) products, services and systems. Users may be offered user
discounts, rebates, and other incentives and benefits from product,
service and system providers 1500 (see FIG. 15A) using professional
showcase 1426, network listings 1428, service listings 1430 and
manufacturers showrooms 1432, for example. These tools may be
provided on-line via the www. Thus, since the tools are available
on-line, construction projects may be planned by the Professionals
located in one country while the construction occurs in another
country.
[0126] Beneficially, in one embodiment, Users of the building
system are provided the ability to print out or email preformatted
purchase orders and project specification sheets for reference,
pricing and documentation to show to other project team members.
The system also offers the ability to order product samples or the
User can visit a product selection site where they can touch and
feel the items being considered. The completed project data in the
completed Project Portfolio can be stored on site, stored on CD or
printed in book or binder form, then retrieved later for
maintenance or upgrades or future renovations as well as
advertising and/or selling, for example, the quality, the
efficiency or even the greenness of a home/building. The planning
system may also include company sponsored product and information
centers where users can get assistance with or be allowed to see
and or feel products and discuss services.
[0127] The planning system 1400 provides for ordering tools 1434
which allow for the renting or buying of equipment and or tools and
for the procuring, packaging and shipping out of finish packages,
for example, using preformatted purchase orders, such as electrical
finish, plumbing finish, appliances and the like, to the job site
for subcontractor installation. This process can be done on-line,
thus eliminating the need for physically driving to a store or
warehouse. Thus, a User can access virtual storefronts 1434 that
represent eCommerce sites, retail outlets and wholesale
distribution centers. Groups of Users may be able to form Co-ops in
order to make bulk purchases of products and services.
[0128] As shown in FIGS. 14B and 14C, a cost/time/quality filter
1450 may be implemented as part of the project planning system.
Typically, the filter 1450 is applied as the user is setting
guidelines for the project, for example, during the consultation.
However, this filter may be subsequently engaged. The filter allows
at least three criteria, cost, time and quality, to be addressed by
the user. In one embodiment, the user may select to require various
degrees or quantities of each criterion alone or in combination.
For example, the criteria may be presented on a scale of importance
or priority, such as on a scale of 1 to 5 or the user may be able
to just make a selection of the range provided. Thus, if the user
determines that cost is no issue to the project than products and
services of all cost ranges (high, moderate and low) may be
provided. However, if time is an issue and the user specifies that
a rush job is needed, then the cost and quality components of the
filter may be affected since not all cost ranges and quality ranges
of products and services may be accommodated for a rush job. Thus,
product and services that are in the lower ranges of cost and lower
ranges of quality may be provided for selection by the user, since
these may be done relatively quickly. In another example, if
quality must be high, then the cost component filter is affected as
is the time component filter, since a high quality job may
typically not be rushed or done for low cost. Thus, product and
services that are in the higher ranges of cost and done in no rush
may be provided for selection by the user.
[0129] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating one operational example
of how the building system application may be used in accordance
with one embodiment, however, this example is not meant to limit
the scope of the planning system in any manner. In this particular
example, a home owner/developer (owner) accesses the building
system 200 because the owner is interested in having a custom home
built for his family. The owner begins by registering into the
system and providing information into the planning kit or the
consultation package provided by the system. The consultation
package inquires whether the owner is a Property Owner or
Professional, about the purpose of the visit, and other demographic
information. The owner may choose to "Create A Project", where the
system delivers an initial consultation questionnaire so the owner
may further define the project. Next, the owner may input or select
"Residential" and "Single Family", may input Zip Code or a City
name, and may further select a Climate Zone, for example, Marine
Mediterranean Climate Zone.
[0130] The building system delivers a default set of planning
sheets to the owner for the requested building type and climate
zone. The system makes additional requests or prompts that are
appropriate to the specific project identified by the owner. The
owner continues to refine the process, and continues to input, for
example, the numbers of rooms and baths, kitchen features, laundry
features, garage features, detached "mother-in-law" room features,
square footage desired, lot size, building features, architectural
features, colors, wall systems, roof systems, special requirements
and the like. The owner may be delivered additional information
regarding completed projects in their area, the professionals who
worked on them and the products they used in their projects.
[0131] The building system employs the various system filters to
narrow the selections to a manageable and related number, thus
eliminating information unrelated to the owner's preferences. The
filters may include, for example, Architectural Style for Exterior
and Interior, the type of Sustainability Filter, where User may
select Solar Hot Water Heating and Structural Insulated Panel
System. The building system further itemizes the owner's selections
of Wall System Filter, Roof System filter, Room and Space Filter.
The owner may not only specify the number of rooms but also how the
rooms are to be designed by the "Room/Space Relationship Filter"
where the owner may decide, for example, where the bedroom is to be
placed relative to the bathroom, how close the kitchen is to be
placed relative to the family room, and how far the master bedroom
is to be place relative to the kid's bedroom or guest room. The
building system may also provide a Feature Filter for selecting
fireplaces and built-in entertainment centers and an Amenities
Filter for selecting additional features, such as built-in ironing
boards in the laundry room.
[0132] The owner at anytime during the planning of the project may
search for products and services. The building system guides the
owner through the process and provides additional information to
assist the owner in making decisions in the project creation
process. The building system may provide access to products and
service based on owner's selections entered into the building
system thus far. The building system may provide a
Cost/Time/Quality filter (FIG. 14C) used to bring products and
services to the owner that come closest to the owner's specified
criteria regarding how much the owner desires to pay, how much time
the owner has to build and what quality the owner desires, or some
combination of the three criterion.
[0133] The building system uses brings design ideas, related
products and systems, service professionals to the attention of the
owner. The owner selects various images and products from the
inspiration gallery or marketplace that develop the look and feel
of the project. The owner also selects various links to outside
information providers and vendors who provide showcases and the
like of their respective products and services. For example, the
owner visits the inspiration gallery and finds some exterior photos
that show the look that the owner wants to capture in his home. The
owner also finds some interior views with a desired layout for the
kitchen, the finishes for the master bedroom, and amenities for the
family room. The images selected by the owner link to a variety of
data including the products used, the names of the professionals
who did the work, and the cost of the project, for example. In
another example, from the images, the owner is able to "click" on a
roofing product that the owner would like to use. The project shown
is located in the area and links to an architect and a roofer. The
owner opens the professional showcases link from this project,
learns more about the contractors and decides to save the image and
the links to the contractors in the vision album. The owner also
accesses the product marketplace and makes selections for doors,
windows and light fixtures. Because of the filtering process based
on the owner's initial inputs, the products provided for selection
are just what the owner is looking for to use on the project. The
owner continues to peruse the professional showcases and seeks
feedback form the system about certain contractors. The owner is
happy with his selections and saves them to the vision album.
[0134] Since the building system has a social/business network
component, the owner provides access to the vision album via the
planning sheets to his immediate family. The owner also sends a
link to a sister-in-law who is a designer living in another state
and to a brother who works for an architect and lives close by to
the owner.
[0135] The people with whom the user shares the project may go into
the building system and view the vision album. They each make some
recommendations. For example, the sister-in-law searches the
products directory in the marketplace and finds an affordable brand
of hardwood flooring and paint colors that she feels would go well
with the project. The brother lets the owner know that his firm has
used a metal roofing that is a fraction of the weight and costs
less than the roof that the owner had selected. The owner's
children ask for built in work areas in their bedrooms and a larger
shower in the shared bathroom. All of the recommendations are saved
to the recommendations section of the vision album for later review
by the owner.
[0136] The owner makes changes and updates to the vision album
based on some of the recommendations as well as some additional
selections that the owner made after seeing the home of a close
friend.
[0137] The owner has decided that enough upfront planning has been
done. The owner may now finalize the project selections for the
time being and submit the project. The system delivers the set of
planning sheets with a vision album template where the work is
organized and stored.
[0138] The owner is ready to hire an architect. The owner has
selected two architects and already stored their information in the
vision album. The owner contacts both architects and posts the
project into the system bid/inquiry room (FIG. 14B) to see if any
others are interested in the project. The owner sets a due date for
initial contact at 15 days out and requests for bid submittal at 30
days after initial contact. The bid room posting results in two
additional architects expressing an interest in the project. The
user opens the showcases of each architect and determines that one
of them would be a good fit, the other seems too expensive and is
not a local business. With three architects now in the running, the
owner accesses preformatted forms from the building system
including a formal Request for Proposal (RFP). The owner may checks
boxes on the RFP that identify certain conditions of the agreement.
Each of the three architects is given access to the vision album.
During negotiations, each of the three applicants is able to make
recommendations and further requests for data. The owner reviews
the requests and posts updates on the building system, which
notifies the applicants of the change. Each applicant makes a
proposal based on the same updated information. The owner selects
the architect who has created the best budget and schedule for the
work to be performed. The owner accesses forms on the system that
may be used to complete the contracting process. The architect has
additional form requirements that he uploads into the building
system that may then become part of the contract documents of the
owner's building system.
[0139] The owner assigns the completed vision album to the design
team, which includes the selected architect. The architect
continues to access the vision album and planning sheets, which
include a list of tasks, and components that need to be selected.
The architect reviews the work that is already stored in the vision
album. The architect notes that the owner requested use of SIPS and
is interested in having solar hot water heaters. The architect has
not used SIPS on any of his projects before so he posts an inquiry
in the System Bid/Inquiry room to find out what effect SIPS may
have on the cost and viability of the project. A general
contractor, a framing contractor and a SIPS Manufacture respond to
the inquiry. The architect is told that installation of SIPS is 70%
faster than conventional framing methods, which reduces labor costs
and speeds up the rough-in phase of the project. The materials cost
about 15% more but offer superior insulating qualities so there is
an attainable payback. The architect notifies the owner of his
findings and continues with the design/specification process. Each
of the components and tasks identified in the planning sheets needs
to be addressed before the process is complete. The owner and the
design team know that more collaboration now between the two users
reduces the chance for cost overruns and increases the possibility
that the project is successful.
[0140] As the design phase progresses, the architect give each of
his peers and other consultants access to the project planning
sheets. The structural engineer recommends an alternative roof
truss that costs less than the truss system already being
considered. The owner continues his research using the building
system and finds schematics on passive efficiency and sustainable
methods. The owner notifies the architect via the system email that
he would like to incorporate natural day-lighting and natural
ventilation into the plan. The architect designs skylights for the
appropriate areas and includes awning and transom windows into the
plan to achieve a ventilating stack effect. The architect also
recommends an air filtration system and water saving devices that
his team recommended. The architect collaborates with the entire
design team and the owner until the choices are fully vetted and
everyone on the team is pleased with the design and functionality
that have been specified during the process. The planning guide is
completed with all building systems, products and finishes having
now been selected.
[0141] With a completed planning guide, the owner is ready to hire
a builder. The owner has continued to search through the
inspiration gallery and the professional directory and has found
several builders who specialize in his project type. The owner and
the design time consult. The architect has used one of the builders
in the past with good success. The owner decides to put the project
into the bid room using a semi private mode and gives access to
three builders now under consideration. The builders are asked to
provide a fixed bid and schedule. The builders having accessed the
planning sheets know exactly what the project entails. The bid
process is done systematically and efficiently through the bid room
since all of the details are readily available to the builders.
Each builder has the ability to post questions or concerns to the
owner and the design team. The updates to the project are posted in
the Bid Room so that the participants are working with aggregated
up-to-date information. A builder is selected, the sealed project
guide is transferred to him and construction begins. The builder is
now responsible to schedule the work, document the process and
insure quality workmanship and installation. The build team has a
substantially complete set of specifications that are linked to the
products to be used. The products are linked to preformatted work
orders and instructions where the products may be purchased in the
local area. Some of the vendors are part of the building system
co-op group that recognizes and gives valuable discounts to
building system members. Tools are available to the builder and
subcontractors that guide them in executing their processes.
[0142] The builder uses the Bid Room to process his subcontractor,
specialty contractor and materials bids. Each person or entity
participating in the bid room process is granted access to the
building system. The building system includes forms, including
preformatted purchase orders, requests for information, requests
for bids, requests for payments, lien releases and the like that
are automatically tied to the project and may include preloaded
information. Contractor invoices for work done, permit approval
process, payments made, payments due and balance of contract may be
tracked by the building system to maintain accountability between
all parties. All of the sub- and specialty contractors are given
access to the project planning sheets, which uses a budget and
schedule component.
[0143] The builder tracks the work and actions taken in the
building system and documents information that serves the owner or
the owner's manager or maintenance team, where appropriate, for the
life of the building in the project journal. If the building system
is used to purchase the products, the building system automatically
documents product data. If not, then the builder is asked to input
manufacture, recommended/suggested and mandatory maintenance
products and schedule, warranty information, product registration
confirmations and contact persons who are able to do the work when
needed. Product warranty and maintenance information may be
recorded or uploaded into the project journal.
[0144] Once the project is finished each of the vision album, the
planning guide, and the project journal may be assembled together
in a final project portfolio/manual and presented to the owner. The
owner is pleased to have a project manual that lives with the
project. For example, the maintenance records are digitally
monitored and documented. Each time a work order is generated, the
owner is able to access the required information including product
data, recommended cleaning products, scheduled cleaning and coating
processes, and the people who do the work in the local area. The
building system notifies the owner by way of electronic system
email when a maintenance event is scheduled to occur. The building
function is maintained and product life is extended due to proper
care. When the owner decides to sell the house, the new buyer may
be given the project manual to have a clear understanding of the
entire property and the professionals involved with its
creation.
[0145] The embodiments described above provide an implementation of
the planning system as a building system that applies to the
Project Planning/Designing/Building Construction industry. However,
the description set forth below illustrates the technical features
and the steps for using the planning system in connection with
other embodiments and other applications. For example, the
technical features of the planning system may be applicable as a
project system in the travel industry, the real estate industry,
the educational industry, and other service related industries,
including governmental agencies such as zoning and planning
commissions, employment placement agencies and health care and
social service agencies.
[0146] Generally, customers or consumers of most services are
provided with lists of products, options, available information,
tips, resources, vendors and the like that the customer or consumer
might use to make selections regarding the particular service. The
selection process and complexity associated with managing the
selection process is increased due to the large number of options
that may be made available to the consumer. Typically, a large
number of selections may need to be tracked in order to preserve
the consumer's general desires. Even though consumers may be
inundated with large amounts of information, options and the like,
the consumer still may not receive sufficient information or other
data that is actually related to his or her specific desires, wants
and needs. In some instances, the consumer may not even be aware
that certain options even exist.
[0147] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a planning system
implemented as the project system 1600 including a process that
allows a user to create a custom project in accordance with an
embodiment. As used herein, a custom project may be understood to
include any planned undertaking, for example, without limitation,
traveling, developing an educational syllabus, purchasing or
selling real estate, college planning, retirement planning, career
planning, community planning and any other undertaking that may
require the need for at least one of conceptualizing, scheduling,
refining, adjusting, modifying, testing and implementing, and any
project where multiple participants or groups are or could work
together for better project outcomes. As further discussed below,
by using the process provided in accordance with aspects of the
present disclosure, users are able to design, plan, and manage
their custom project, for example, on-line from almost any internet
connection in the world, via telephone or any other similar means
of communication. The process takes input from the user and
organizes it for various other groups to review, comment, suggest
alternatives and refine the information. In one embodiment, various
database modules, including photos and other media are provided to
suggest alternatives for user selected refinements. In addition,
based on selections made by the user of certain information, the
user is offered additional information, options and choices, which
lead the user to the final product.
[0148] The project system 1600 allows each user group to generate
guides, albums or portfolios that are created to facilitate the
progression of a user's project from concept, through design and
planning to final implementation and maintain and manage the
product or project in an interactive, collaborative and innovative
process. The guides may constitute a physical compilation of data,
storage cd or print versions or alternatively, the guides may be a
virtual (electronic) compilation of data. The guides may be used
individually or in conjunction with each other. The guides
represent the Output created by the interaction and collaboration
of each group within the project system 1600.
[0149] As shown in FIG. 16, a project system 1600 divides the
conceptualizing, planning and implementation of most any project
into various phases. In one embodiment, the phases may include a
user or user group 1602, a provider or provider group 1604 and a
facilitator or facilitator group 1606 that perform the functions to
be achieved during a particular phase of the planning process. As
described below, each of the groups has certain needs, skill sets
and responsibilities in the planning process, as well as
responsibilities and obligations to the other groups. Although,
each group is described as having certain individual
responsibilities and functions during certain phases, some
functions and responsibilities may overlap.
[0150] The user or user group 1602 includes an individual, a
client, a consumer, a customer, a project leader, a professional
planner and the like, that typically initiates the want or need for
the project. The user may set the initial parameters and guidelines
used to describe the overall concept of the project. In one
embodiment, the user may begin the process of creating a vision for
a project by hiring a consultant, using a friend or family member
or other third party to do the initial creation of the project
vision. Afterward the user may critique and fine-tune the vision
until satisfied. The needs, wants, parameters and guidelines of the
user 1602 are compiled in a first portfolio 1608. The first
portfolio 1608, which may also be referred to as a vision guide or
vision album 1608, is initially created by the user 1602 during the
concept phase of the project. In one embodiment, the user may
interact with various interactive modules, which provide conceptual
design elements to the user, to input, select from, and clarify the
user's conceptual design elements so that the project may benefit
from feedback, suggestions, and ideas provided by yet other
interactive modules. The interactive modules provide a set of
consultations that are used to inform the initial user of
possibilities and options within the range of interests that the
user has decided to explore.
[0151] In one embodiment, the interactive modules allow for a
social aspect of collaboration and comment on a project, for
example, by allowing alternative choices to be made, offered or
suggested between friends, employees, colleagues and family members
who might have an interest or have been invited to participate in
the conception of a project. For example, a user may be using the
project system to create a travel plan. The user accesses the
interactive modules and interactively makes selections that outline
the general wants and needs for his trip. Others who have been
invited to participate in this phase of the planning may gather
additional data from the system or upload various photos of their
trips and vacations or other information about locations and travel
tips. The user may then interactively view these suggested
alternatives to change, modify, or refine his own selections.
[0152] In one embodiment, the user 1602 communicates its needs,
wants, parameters, and guidelines to the provider group 1604 via
the vision album. Communications between the user group and the
provider group may include links to different databases and links
to provider accounts provided on a website, and/or links between a
computer and other communication devices, such as cell phones and
fax machines.
[0153] The provider group 1604 may include one or many
professionals or others who possess the expertise or information,
including databases of information, who may be hired by the user
group, or at least made available to the user group as a resource,
to design and create the second portfolio or project guide 1610.
The project guide 1610 is created by the provider group 1604 upon
review of the selections made and set forth in the vision album
1608 by the user group 1602. Thus, the project guide is user
defined project parameters that have been refined through
communication and collaboration with one or more providers based
on, at least in part, the experience and the expertise of the one
or more providers.
[0154] The second portfolio 1610 may also be created using a system
of queries or consultations and filters, described below, that are
used to fine-tune a project to ultimately ensure that the project
continues to inform the user group and reflect the needs, wants and
desires of the user group 1602. Like the user group, the provider
group may interact with various interactive modules, which indicate
to them the conceptual design elements that the user group has
selected. The provider group then uses all the parameters,
guidelines and initial selections for the project to make
additional queries of the user group to further refine, optimize
and possibly expand the parameters.
[0155] In addition to queries, the user group may be offered
unsolicited information from the provider group. For example,
certain selections made by the user group in creating the vision
album may prompt the provider group to offer information that is
related for further consideration by the user group. Certain
targeted queries made by the provider group, in conjunction with
the additional unsolicited information may cause the parameters and
guidelines that were initially used to create the vision album to
change. Thus, the user group is allowed to interactively, along
with the provider group, change or modify the vision album at
anytime during the query phase of planning. However, while the
project has been refined, the fundamental desires, wants and needs
of the user group are maintained due to the involvement of the user
group in the collaboration.
[0156] The provider group 1604 communicates and collaborates with
the user group 1602 to refine on an iterative basis and make the
selections made during the query phase of the project system final.
The final selections are then incorporated into the project guide
1610 upon approval from the user group.
[0157] The facilitator or facilitator group 1606 may include one or
many professionals or others with the appropriate skills that may
be hired or made available to cause the project to be implemented
in the manner requested by the user group and as designed by the
provider group 1604. The method or rules of implementation may be
compiled in a third portfolio 1612 or project journal 1612 and used
to track the processes and progress of the project. The facilitator
group 1606 is responsible to provide to the user group 1602 a
quality completed project that reflects the user group's vision,
needs, wants and desires for the project. In some embodiments, the
provider group 1604 and the facilitator group 1606 may be the same
professional or group of professionals depending on the type of
project involved.
[0158] The final output of the project system 1600 is a completed
project portfolio 1614. The completed project portfolio 1614
includes information that has been generated from the vision album
1608, the project guide 1610 and the project journal 1612, as well
as any other information related or used in the planning process
that may assist with the future success including maintaining,
managing and performing the project. The completed project
portfolio acts as a user's guide, or a reference book to the
project. The completed project portfolio is designed to stay with
the project, from user to user of that project where appropriate or
with the original user as a record of the project plan.
[0159] The interactive modules previously mentioned may work as
independent modules to allow the user group to design, plan, track
and build his or her own customized project. When used to create a
project, the interactive modules help to limit the information
pertinent to the choices made by the user group in order to drive
the selection process to creation of a final vision or concept. The
interactive modules may also include their own set of tools and
features, as further discussed below.
[0160] FIG. 17 is a flow chart illustrating a process 1700 for the
project system 1600 in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In step s1702, the process begins with the user making
a general query regarding his or her project. The user also
provides information regarding the concept or vision for the
project, which may include project criteria and guideline
information. The information may be entered into project system
1600 using any well known user interfaces, such as the following
non-limiting examples: a graphical user interface via fillable
forms, selectable lists or images, prompts, icons, and an
interactive interview process.
[0161] The project system receives the initial query and provides a
consultation, which may be in the form of specifically targeted
requests, intelligent checklists, responses to questionnaires,
selections from drop down or popup menus and similar forms of
query, to develop the vision album. In one embodiment, the
consultation provided to the user is in the form of a preformatted
outline that is designed to consider possibilities related or
specific to the undertaking that the user is pursuing. The
possibilities are generally in the form of options that once
selected start the process of formulating a path for creating the
vision album. In some cases, the user may be given the choice to
prioritize, for example, A, B, then C. By engaging in this process
the user is able to set and establish project guidelines and
parameters. The project guidelines and parameters, in turn, set the
boundaries for filters used within the system as described below.
In some cases, by selecting one option the system may in turn
eliminate or include others.
[0162] Initially, the information provided by the user regarding
the project is received into the project system 1600 via the
planning sheets. The planning sheets are created and populated by
the project system to organize data for retrieval and storage by
the user (s1704). The planning sheets also provide a means to
classify the parameters, products and processes generated by the
user group and provider group. The planning sheets may include the
information, broken down or separated into phases or sections
related to certain choices made during the planning process. In one
embodiment, the sections may be filled using, for example, the
intelligent checklist provided to the user during the initial
consultation. In this embodiment, the checklist allows the user to
enter the project criteria and parameters and guidelines. The
selections may be further divided and organized into sets of
classes and subclasses for further categorization of the
information. As described below, the planning sheets provide a
means for conveying the project information through the concept,
the query and the plan phases of the project system as the
information is compiled and generated for access by all of the
groups as the need arises. In the planning sheets, products,
services, systems and the like are categorized and may be selected
using a systematic approach. In one embodiment, the planning sheets
provide a visual tool that allows professionals, as well as project
owners, the opportunity to view, select, store for review and
purchase products, services and systems through each segment of the
project. The planning sheets act as a tracking device so that no
design element or building component is missed in the planning
phase.
[0163] In accordance with an embodiment, the data compiled in the
planning sheets is filtered, organized and parsed to begin the
development of the vision album (s1706). Various filters are used
to synthesize the information being gathered in the planning sheets
into a compilation of data that at least reflects the initial
wants, desires and needs of the user group. The compilation of the
information creates the vision album. In one example, the user
group is able to take their process as far as possible, that is, as
far as they have time for or feel comfortable doing. When the user
group is through with their processes, it may print a vision album
or create a computer disc and pass the control of the project to
the provider group. The printed copy presents the information,
data, products and the like, which will help to serve the next user
group in line.
[0164] Next, in step s1708, the provider group uses the information
provided in the vision album to begin development of the project
guide. Based on the information in the vision album and in
collaborative discussions with the user group, the provider group
offers information and services on the topics and other points of
interest that may be associated with the information provided in
the vision album. The discussions include making queries of the
user group, which may seek more detailed information on a topic or
else may prompt the user to consider yet unspecified options. The
queries are used to further refine or even substantially change the
selections shown in the vision album. This allows the project to be
refined based on original entered data from the user group, but
modified by information and data gathered in the collaboration
between the provider group and the user group.
[0165] The provider group continues to interactively collaborate
with the user group until it is decided by the user or between the
groups that the discussions have yielded a final design of the
project. The information now held in the planning sheets includes
the final assessment of the needs, wants and desires of the user
group, which the provider group compiles into the project guide. In
one example, the provider group may perform a Save-As of the vision
album on the project system and start refining, collaborating and
gathering the completed design specifications. When the project
guide is complete the control of the project can be given to the
facilitator group who are able to, for example, bid, schedule, and
design the project from the vision album.
[0166] The vision album, which includes the final design of the
project, may now be viewed by the facilitator group who are charged
with causing the plan to be readied for implementation. The project
guide serves as the blue print for carrying-out or completing the
project in the project guide, if and when the user group is ready
to do so.
[0167] The steps for implementing the plan and the actions that are
undertaken to complete the project are captured in the project
journal (s1710). The project journal is created by tracking project
implementation as a collaborative effort between the user group,
the provider group and the facilitator group.
[0168] It is expected that during the facilitation (build) process
of any project or product that some items may still need to be
selected. Changes, additions or deletions from the design
specifications listed may also occur. In one embodiment, the
project journal is to track the actual implementation of the
project.
[0169] Finally, the project journal along with pertinent data from
the vision album and the project guide are seamed together in the
project system to produce the completed project portfolio (s1712).
The completed project portfolio provides a roadmap that brings the
development of the project from conception, through design, to
final implementation. The completed project portfolio (CPP)
represents an embodiment of the finished project, like a user's
guide or an owner's manual. The CPP may be used for the life of the
project or product to maintain and manage the completed project.
The initial user group or project owner may be able to go back into
the CPP to find specific data on any component of the project, when
and if needed, with the user able to resurrect a procedure
performed or take a course of action that is required, needed or
desired at the time with the least amount of effort. In one
example, a user may have had a painter paint the walls on the
interior or exterior of a house that was the subject of a project.
Using the project system, the user would not have to guess or color
match the paint for future touch ups. Instead, the CPP would
provide the information necessary to order the exact paint that is
needed. The same would apply in finding a match for a particular
carpet that the user needs for a repair.
[0170] FIG. 18A provides a diagram illustrating a view of plan,
management and communication segments involved in using the project
system 1600 in accordance with an embodiment. The diagram provides
a visual representation of how information is fed into each segment
from a previous segment and into the working modules of the project
system to provide the completed project portfolio in accordance
with the embodiment.
[0171] For purposes of illustration and example, when referring to
FIG. 18A, the description of the processes involved in the project
system 1800 is described with reference to retirement planning.
That is, the user group consists of a person who desires to
undertake the project of creating a retirement plan. In this
example, the retiree is a 50 year old single person who desires to
retire at age 62 from a career as a school teacher.
[0172] In operation, during the project conception phase, the
retiree is presented with a planning kit or consultation that
includes interactive modules, such as, but not limited to
interactive modules 1802, 1804 and 1806, that provide information
regarding the concept or vision for the project. The modules also
receive input from the retiree as the retiree populates, for
example, a checklist, a dashboard or selects icons, pictures or
photographs related to certain topics.
[0173] For example, interactive module 1802 of the project system
1800 may provide a registration screen, which may query the user
regarding specific demographic information, such as name, age,
address, gender, marital status and the like and query regarding
the nature of the project. The module 1802 may then provide
information and request input from the retiree specific to the
nature of the project. The nature of the project being retirement
planning in this example may cause the interactive module to filter
through the options available and include questions regarding
health needs, friends and family ties, monetary resources,
financial condition and obligations, medical needs, hobbies,
interests, activities, climate and other similarly associated
parameters and guidelines.
[0174] In one embodiment, where appropriate to the nature of the
project, the interactive module 1802 may use a visual format of
inquiry, which provides, for example, photos and other images used
to inspire the user and allow the user to create or conceive the
project based on the look and feel of the project the user is
desirous of creating.
[0175] Interactive module 1804 may be a database type of module
used to make inquiries of the user regarding, for example,
products, services and the like that may be available to or may be
used by the retiree. In one embodiment, the database module may be
a repository of archived information in the form of articles,
photos, videos, reference guides and the like. Thus, for example,
the retiree may input selections and receive information regarding
health insurance, life insurance, medications used, hobbies, books,
movies, adult living centers, and the like. Interactive module
1806, may accept additional information regarding options regarding
desirable places to live, likes and dislikes, places to visit,
favorite places to eat, favorite foods, sports, activity level,
fitness level, cost of living and the like.
[0176] The information compiled in the interactive modules may be
inserted or entered into the project system 1800 using any well
known user interfaces, for example, but not limited to, a graphical
user interfaces via fillable forms, selectable lists or images, and
prompts, such as via an iterative interview process and the
like.
[0177] Note that the interactive modules are part of the overall
consultation package but have been described above as being
separate modules to visually indicate that the initial inquiries
may be parsed and separated into different categories based on the
nature of the project, which can be activated using appropriate
filters based on inputs entered by the user. Thus, some interactive
modules 1807 (i.e. some lines of inquiry) may not be appropriate
for certain projects and thus would not be included in the initial
questioning once the nature of the project is ascertained. For
example, a module that may query regarding career planning would
not necessarily be included in the questioning of a person
interested in retirement planning. However, the module directed at
career planning may be included in the retirement planning line of
questioning if the retiree let it be known that she may desire to
reenter the work force after retirement.
[0178] As previously described, all information regarding the
project is entered into the project system 1800 via planning sheets
1808. The planning sheets provide a means to classify and
categorize the parameters, products, processes, professional
services and the like of the planning phase. In the planning
sheets, each bit of information received from the user is
categorized and placed into the sheets. As shown in FIG. 18A, the
planning sheets are represented as a wheel or circle divided into
individual plan sections. Each individual plan section 1810
represents a different phase or aspect of the process, thus
allowing the user to individually account for every phase and
aspect of the planning process. The plan sections 1810 may be
divided into any number of phases or aspects that may be considered
a part of the planning process and may be individually customized
by each user for each particular project. For example, in this
embodiment, based on the nature of the project, plan sections may
include categories such as finances, estate planning, housing,
legal, travel, health, hobbies, interests, climate zones and other
similar retirement related categories.
[0179] The plan sections 1810 may be further divided into classes
and subclasses that account for particular aspects of the phase or
aspect of the project. For example, under finances there may be
sub-categories such as 401(k), IRA, annuities, savings, liabilities
and the like. The plan sections may be individually searchable
among each classification by all groups in the system. In one
example, planning sheets may be divided into Headings, Categories
and Subcategories. Thus, Finances may be a Heading, Savings may be
a Category, and 401K may be a subcategory under the Savings
category. Liabilities may also be a Category under Finances, while
car payments or mortgages may be a subcategory under the
Liabilities category. In each case categories and or subcategories
link to professionals who are able to serve the individual if
needed, products and or systems that are available to complete or
support a process or project, further information on what others
have done, what works, what does not work industry/sector best
practices tools, equipment and the like If users want to reach out
in a more informal process they may post requests for information
in the Bid Inquiry Room or join a blog or forum or committee on the
site.
[0180] As shown in the figure, the planning sheets 1808 transcend
through the entire system. As the system continues toward the
formation of the completed project portfolio, the planning sheets
1808 visually narrow, representing the fact that the information
and data regarding the project are being refined. The planning
sheets provide a visual tool that allows professionals, as well as
the project owners (users), to view, select, and store for review
information that has been placed into the project system through
each segment of the project. In the present example, at the end of
the concept phase, the retiree is able to view all of her
selections and choices categorized and collected into separate
sections for reviewing, editing and modifying, if desired.
[0181] In order to avoid having a vast amount of information and
number of selectable choices to overwhelm the user of the project
system 1800, the project system 1800 includes a filtering mechanism
1812 that provides a means for the user to draw down and narrow or
limit his or her choices based on the specific project criteria and
other information as well as selections made by the user in the
consultation. The filtering mechanism 1812 receives all the
information and data including design parameters, selections and
other guidelines provided or selected by the user and entered via
the planning sheets 1808, including cost/time/quality criteria. The
information and data is filtered along the user's desired
guidelines and parameters. In this example, if the retiree has
entered information suggesting that she does not desire to live in
a climate that is colder than a certain temperature in the winter,
then the filter 1812 ensures that all information and requests for
input that may relate to areas with a cold climate is subsequently
excluded from further consideration. The filter causes the
information and data to be reduced and segregated into appropriate
plan sections of the planning sheets. The segregated information
and data is saved and organized into appropriate categories and
subcategories in the planning sheets. It should be noted that in
the event that during the planning process the retiree changes her
mind, the filter 1812 can subsequently allow any previously
filtered information to be subsequently included.
[0182] Referring again to FIG. 18A, once the filtering mechanism
1812 has narrowed the information and data to a comprehensible
selection of, for example, products, photos, professional services
and options, the process of developing the vision album 1814
commences. The project system 1800 uses the information saved and
stored in the planning sheets 1808 to create the vision album 1814.
The provider group uses the vision album 1814 in collaboration with
the user group to further refine and modify the information and
data in the plan sections to develop the project guide.
[0183] In one embodiment, the filtering mechanism continues to
filter the segregated information and data and further narrow the
information data into specific needs, wants and desires. The
filtering mechanism may arrive at the narrowed selections by, for
example, further consultation with or questioning of the user
regarding specific choices and their compatibility, desirability
and usability with other choices and the overall vision of the
project. Thus, the provider group makes additional queries and
provides additional related information to the user group based on
information in the vision album. These additional queries may take
the creation of the project guide to new paths that are created as
information in the planning sheets has been made to change.
[0184] Thus, as shown in FIG. 18A, multiple paths, such as paths 1
thru path N, where N may be any integer greater than 1, may be
created based on the results of the queries and suggestions made
during the consultation. Returning to the example of the retiree, a
provider makes note that in the vision album the retiree states
that she is a school teacher and that the she would like to
continue to do charity work during her retirement years. The vision
album also states that due to a health condition, the retiree needs
to live primarily in a dry climate.
[0185] The provider group decides to make further inquires of the
retiree asking, for example, if she had considered foreign
countries with dry climates, if she speaks other languages, and
whether she can teach English. Information is also presented to the
retiree regarding each of these queries. The retiree considers
these queries and begins to respond to them. Based on the
responses, the project system begins to travel down path 1. The
retiree decides that living in a foreign country may be nice and
that she could definitely teach the English language. The provider
group that makes the queries then begins to formulate the retiree's
project guide 1822a using filters 1813. The provider group provides
names of countries with dry climates, that need primary school
teachers, and that need those teachers to volunteer their time. The
retiree had never before considered doing these things in her
retirement years, but now decides to select countries where she may
retire that have a need for her teaching skills. The retirees
planning sheets are updated with new information.
[0186] While continuing on path 1, the provider group continues to
make further queries. This time the queries may focus on what is
needed by the retiree now that she may be living in a foreign
country. For example, the queries may include ideas on where to
live (house versus apartment, buying versus renting), language
lessons, travel restrictions or limitations that need to be
overcome and so on. Again, queries are made and the list of
possibilities is filtered 1813 and refined and added to the project
guide, now referred to as project guide 1822b. The interactive
query and refining process continues until the retiree has
exhausted the options made available to her and has decided on the
final design of her project.
[0187] The final selections prompted by the provider group and
selected by the user are stored in a results portion of the
planning sheets. The final project guide 1822 for path 1 is then
completed.
[0188] In another embodiment, answers to queries from the provider
group may create a different path, such as path 2. In this example,
assuming that the retiree has no interest in living in a foreign
country and also has no desire to teach after retiring, the
provider group may offer queries about the retirees desire to
travel around the United States and visit many small towns
undiscovered by tourists. The retiree is also a Civil War history
buff Thus, queries from the providers may focus on these topics,
which lead the providers to offer information regarding travel via
motor home to small towns that were significant locations during
the Civil War. The user believes this is a great idea and selects
to find out more information about buying a motor home and selling
her own home. The creation of the user project guide 1822a begins.
This leads to more queries from the provider group regarding home
sales, tax ramifications of home sales and more information about
groups that travel together in motor homes around the United
States. This leads to the reformulation of the project guide into
project guide 1822b. Ultimately, the retiree's final selections are
collected into the final project guide 1822.
[0189] The example provided above illustrates the nature of the
iterative and interactive process of designing a project using the
project system 1800. Any number of paths (1, 2, . . . N) may be
created for the user, such that the user can find herself on path N
that has considerably evolved from the initial path that had been
started via the initially prepared vision album 1814. Thus, aspects
of the present computer implemented methods, electronic systems,
and computer operated programs include filters for aiding,
suggesting, and solving questions that require decisions involving
a planning project to maximize the project potential. By maximize,
it is understood to mean better in most sense, such as faster, more
economical, timeliness, user friendly, include best practices, more
safe, more informative, more aesthetically appealing, more liked,
more popular, etc., and combinations thereof. In one example, a
planning project involves retirement planning. In other examples,
planning projects include career planning, job planning, travel
planning, elder care planning, construction planning, purchase
planning, garden planning, event planning, and wedding planning, to
name a few. The filters include pull down menus, pop up menus,
based on categories, based on genre, based on price, based on
quality, based on geographic location, and based on recommendations
of others, or combinations thereof. The filters allow a user to
initiate a project and end up with a maximized project. In other
examples, a person or persons other than the initiator of the
project perform the filters or answer the filters. Thus, aspects of
the present embodiments include the production of a project
portfolio that has been modified by at least one filter and the
filtering is performed by the user or a person located remotely of
the user. The remotely located person may be invited by the user to
perform the filtering task or is electronically notified by the
system to perform the filtering task due to the person being
registered as a team member, outside expert, or consultant. In
other examples, the remotely located person logs into a forum that
posts several distinct or separate projects from different users to
be filtered. The project portfolio therefore undergoes changes from
an initial project and has its bugs and other problems, issues, or
technical difficulties resolved through a series of filters and
inputs from other individuals aside from the project initiator. In
yet another example, the project portfolio undergoes changes
throughout the life of the project. The changes are made in light
of the filters and inputs from the various users and member groups
discussed herein.
[0190] The completed project guide is provided to the facilitator
group, which ultimately, for example, constructs the project based
on the ideas and plans set forth in the project guide, inspired by
the vision album, and refined in the query phase of the project.
The facilitator group creates the project journal from the project
guide as the work is being done. Thus, the project journal 1824
incorporates all the final information and data associated with the
project. In one embodiment, the project journal is a form of the
project guide that is being edited and revised until the project is
complete. The retiree in this example, can pick-up her project
journal at any time and check to see if her plan is on schedule and
if she has accomplished or is accomplishing those things that she
needs to do to get to her final destination. The transition between
project guide and project journal may last as long as it takes to
complete the project. For example, if a project is put on hold for
a time, the project journal may not reflect any further work until
the user begins the process again. When the project is complete to
the satisfaction or agreement of the user, in combination, the
vision album, the project guide and the project journal are
combined to form the completed project portfolio 1826, which is a
roadmap for implementation of the project. The project is complete
when the facilitator group is done building the project and the
last information has been added into the project journal.
[0191] As previously mentioned the project system 1800 may be used
to plan any undertaking or project. For example, without any
intention to be limiting, the user may choose to use the project
system to aid in career planning or travel planning. Referring
again to FIG. 18A, the description of the processes involved in the
project system 1800 is now described with reference to each of
these different planning requests. That is, the user group consists
of a person who desires to undertake the project of planning for a
career or for taking a trip.
[0192] In the example of the career planner, the user is a 20 year
college student who has just completed two years of courses related
to engineering but thinks he wants to be a lawyer. As before,
during the project conception phase, the career planner is
presented with a consultation package that includes interactive
modules that provide information regarding the concept or vision
for the project. As the career planner populates the user interface
via fillable forms, selectable lists or images, and prompts, such
as via an iterative interview process and the like, the information
compiled in the interactive modules is entered into the project
system 1800.
[0193] In order to determine a career option or opportunity a
person needs to be asked certain questions and have access to good
information that supports the answer(s). Thus, the project system
begins a query of who, what, why, when, where then how. This career
move is the result of a desire, a need, maybe even a premonition. A
better project outcome in this case may need analyzing, comparing
and a more complete understanding of the results of an outcome
before the user actually commits his/her energy money and
resources. Here the career planner may ask or be asked, what life
do I want to live, will this career provide me with what I am
looking for? Is income an important component, what can I expect to
make at this job, career, to start, after I am accomplished? Am I
better off having my own practice, what would that take? Where do I
want to live, do I want to have children or if I have children
would this be a proper environment? Once the user understands and
verifies that this is the right step he may be guided through the
process and be linked to the people who can help bring his dream,
his desire, his need to completion. In this case it is best for a
person who is serious about putting effort, energy and resources
into a career path, that she be able to apply the best focus that
results in a better project outcome. The project system asks, "Why
have I made this choice?" and helps the user clarify and quantify
the "project" guidelines, link them to professionals, mentors,
industry experts and the like. In the Career project planning
system the job of the Planning Kit and the Planning Guide is to
clarify that the choice or thought is the right choice. Once this
is done the Project is identified, it is time to start putting
together the Vision Album. When the Vision Album is complete the
user then turns the project over to or have people come on to help
him/her complete the plan/design process. When they move onto the
implementation or facilitation, they enter the process with road
maps and specifications fully in place. The Planning here will
result in a successful, better project outcome. If someone changes
their mind and wants to modify their course during the process they
can go back into the system and research other options and
determine the best way to work them in or modify their course while
maintaining as much value of their work to date.
[0194] For example, the career planner may provide user
demographics (e.g., name, age, address, gender, marital status and
the like) and states that he is an engineering student interested
in a career in law. The module may then provide information and
request input from the career planner specific to the nature of the
project. The nature of the project, being career planning in this
example, may cause the interactive module to filter through the
options available and include questions regarding hobbies, previous
occupations, education level, degrees held, degrees being pursued,
skills, and other similarly associated parameters and guidelines.
The interactive module may provide photos and other images used to
inspire the user and allow the user to create or conceive the
project based on the look and feel of the project the user is
desirous of creating. For example, the interactive module may
display to the career planner photos of lawyers at work in various
settings, such as in a courtroom, a large firm, a small firm,
working with indigents, in the board room of a corporation, working
late hours, and the like. The system promotes and supports industry
mentoring. The user is able to reach out to people and
professionals who have taken similar paths.
[0195] Based on selections made by the career planner, the career
planner may receive information regarding the various aspects of
the legal profession. The interactive modules may accept additional
information about options regarding salary expectations, lifestyle,
family plans, financial resources and the like. In yet another
interactive module, the career planner may be asked if he prefers
to work in groups, to work alone, to speak to large groups of
people, or prefers one on one discussion. The career planner may
also be queried about his given abilities and talents, his
limitations and his goals.
[0196] As previously described, all information regarding the
project is entered into the project system 1800 via planning sheets
1808. In the planning sheets, each bit of information received from
the user is categorized and placed into the sheets. For example, in
this embodiment, based on the career planning nature of the
project, plan sections may include categories such as education,
desired careers, salary, family and lifestyle, finances, skills and
hobbies and other similar career related categories. The plan
sections 1810 may be further divided into classes and subclasses
that account for particular aspects of the phase or aspect of the
project, such as, under desired careers there may be sub-categories
such as corporate attorney, litigator, transactional attorney,
public interest attorney, and the like. Based on the queries made
of the career planner, there may be indications that he may fall
into multiple categories. In the present example, at the end of the
concept phase, the career planner is able to view all of his
inputs, selections and choices categorized and collected into
separate sections for reviewing, editing and modifying, if
desired.
[0197] The filtering mechanism 1812 receives all the information
and data including design parameters, selections and other
guidelines provided or selected by the user and entered via the
planning sheets 1808. The information and data are filtered along
the user's desired guidelines and parameters. In this example, if
the career planner has entered information suggesting that he would
like to attend law school in California and also work in the state,
but also inputs that securities law is a strong interest, then the
filter 1812 ensures that all information and requests for input
that may relate to practice of law in California is included for
consideration. However, the filter may still allow information
about working on Wall Street in New York, since the career planner
has suggested his interest in securities law. The filter causes the
information and data to be reduced and segregated into appropriate
plan sections. The segregated information and data are saved and
organized into appropriate classes and subclasses in the planning
sheets. The project system 1800 uses the information saved and
stored in the planning sheets 1808 to create the vision album
1814.
[0198] The provider group uses the vision album 1814 in
collaboration with the career planner to further refine and modify
the information and data in the plan sections to develop the
project guide. The provider group makes additional queries and
provides additional related information to the user group based on
the information in the vision album. In one embodiment, the
filtering mechanism continues to filter the segregated information
and data and further narrow the information data into specific
needs, wants and desires of the career planner. In this example,
the provider group may comprise law school counselors or admissions
officers, legal recruiters, people interested in mentoring lawyers,
financial aid counselors, scholarship writers and the like. In this
example, the provider group may include not only persons but also
sources of information and guidance. For example, the provider
group may be an entity that provides access to data and information
related to the practice of law and related topics, including LSAT
test preparation, LSAT testing, law school rankings and the
like.
[0199] As shown in FIG. 18A, multiple paths, such as paths 1 thru
path N may be created based on the results of the queries and
suggestions made during the consultation. Returning to the example
of the career planner, a provider makes note that in the vision
album the career planner states that he is an engineering
undergraduate student and very active in various sports activities
and performs in a local theater group.
[0200] The provider group decides to make further inquiries of what
the career planner is asking. For example, asking if he had
considered legal careers in sports or theatrical agency or law
practice that can make use of his engineering degree, for example,
patent law, construction defects, or product liability law.
Information is also presented to the career planner regarding each
of these queries. The career planner considers these queries and
begins to respond to them. Based on the responses, the project
system begins to travel down path 1 of FIG. 18A. The career planner
had never known about patent law, but knows for sure that he is not
interested in sports or theatrical agency. The provider group that
is making the queries then begins to formulate the career planner's
project guide 1822a. The provider group provides information to the
career planner regarding intellectual property law, the practice of
intellectual property law and requirements for becoming a patent
attorney. The career planner is ecstatic to find out that he can
use his engineering background in the practice of law so he
continues to inquire. The provider's information mentions that the
patent attorney must take an additional patent bar exam to become a
patent attorney. The career planner is not that excited about the
prospect of having to take another exam, but he is happy to know
what awaits him in this career path.
[0201] While continuing on path 1, the provider group continues to
make further queries. This time the queries may focus on
compensation needs and lifestyle choices. For example, the queries
may include charts and graphs showing typical salaries for various
types of attorney practices, typical hours billed requirements, and
job benefits. Again, queries are made and the list of possibilities
refined and added to the project guide, now referred to as project
guide 1822b. The interactive query and refining process continues
until the career planner has exhausted the options made available
to him and has decided on the final design of his career plan
project. The final selections prompted by the provider group and
selected by the user are stored in a results portion of the
planning sheets. The final project guide 1822 for path 1 is then
completed.
[0202] In another embodiment, answers to queries from the provider
group may create a different path, such as path 2 of FIG. 18A. In
this example, the career planner decides that he does not want to
work for a big firm and would love to control his work hours. In
this case, the provider group may offer queries about working as a
solo practitioner. The career planner loves the prospect of being
his own boss and selects various links to information regarding the
practice of law as a solo practitioner to find out more
information. The creation of the user project guide 1822a begins.
This leads to more queries from the provider group regarding
running a small business, which of course is an important part of
running a solo law practice. This leads to the reformulation of the
project guide into project guide 1822b.
[0203] At first, the career planner is overwhelmed by the endless
set of rules and regulations that seem to accompany setting up a
small law firm business. Suddenly, the career planner becomes
fascinated with the idea of setting up a law practice focused on
helping small business owners. The career planner begins to make
inquiries of the provider group on this topic. Alas, the career
planner is now headed down yet another path of inquiry and
collaboration with the providers.
[0204] Alternatively, the providers note that most of the career
planner's selections are slanted towards business consulting type
work, so the providers begin to inquire and inform the career
planner about alternative careers in business consulting. The
filter mechanisms began to allow inclusion of more business
consulting oriented options. As a result of this new found desire
to aid small business owners, the career planner may decide not to
venture into the law field at all but may feel better suited for a
career as a business consultant. The career planner continues to
make inquiries of the provider group on this new topic. The career
planner is now headed down yet another path of inquiry and
collaboration with the providers that heretofore the career planner
had not even considered.
[0205] Ultimately, the career planner's final selections are
collected into the final project guide 1822.
[0206] Assuming again that the career planner desires to be an
attorney, once the project guide 1822 has been completed, the
career planner has a good idea of what is required to become an
attorney. For example, the career planner now knows that he must
take an LSAT exam to be able to apply for law school, he must
attend law school for at least three years, and he must pass a
state bar exam to actually practice law. The career planner also
knows generally which types of careers a lawyer may pursue and he
knows specifically what is required to become, for example, a
patent attorney, a district attorney, or a public interest attorney
to name but a few of the attorney types that the career planner
chose to inquire about, or all of them. Because the career planner
has made these inquiries early in his career path, he has a
prepared timeline in the project guide showing him when he should
have accomplished certain tasks to implement his project.
[0207] At some time, the career planner's completed project guide
is provided to the facilitator group, which ultimately helps the
career planner to put the plan into action. The facilitators may
include, law school admission representatives, teachers,
counselors, financial aid planners, practicing patent attorneys,
and the like. While in law school, the facilitators may include
tutors and those that can help a student with internships. Once law
school has been completed, the facilitator group may become
educational representatives from bar exam study groups and
employment recruiters. Thus, the facilitator group can vary over
time as the project continues to evolve. The facilitator group
documents the events that lead to the creation of the project
journal 1824 that incorporates all the final information and data
associated with the career development project. In combination, the
vision album, the project guide and the project journal are
combined to form the completed project portfolio 1826, which is a
roadmap for implementation of the project. The career planner in
this example, can pick-up his project portfolio at any time and
check to see if his plan is on schedule and if he has accomplished
those things that he needs to do get to his final destination. This
includes returning to the completed portfolio, even after the
project is completed (i.e. the career planner has become a lawyer)
to find the name of the employment recruiter (facilitator) who
helped him get his first job, because the career planner is now
looking to find a new place to work.
[0208] The project system can similarly be used to plan travel. In
the example of the traveler, the traveler desires to take a simple
trip to Europe or some similar place but has no real idea where to
go. The traveler interacts with the consultation package, which
queries the traveler about the traveler's interests. The
information is compiled in the interactive modules and entered into
the project system 1800 using the planning sheets 1810.
[0209] The nature of the project being travel to Europe in this
example may cause the interactive module to filter through the
options available and include questions regarding interests,
favorite foods, other places that the traveler has traveled, and
other similarly associated parameters and guidelines. The
interactive module may provide photos and other images used to
inspire the user and allow the user to create or conceive the
project based on the look and feel of the places the traveler may
want to go. For example, the interactive module may display to the
traveler photos of ancient ruins in Rome, pyramids in Egypt or the
Eiffel Tower in France.
[0210] Based on selections made by the traveler, the traveler may
receive information regarding the various aspects of travel through
Europe, Africa or Asia. The interactive modules may accept
additional information about options regarding food and other
allergies, physical travel limitations, budget requirements and the
like. In yet another interactive module, the traveler may be asked
if the traveler prefers traveling alone, in groups or a mix of
both. In yet another interactive module the traveler is queried
about hobbies, skills and the like.
[0211] As previously described, all information regarding the
project is entered into the project system 1800 via planning sheets
1808. In the planning sheets, each bit of information received from
the user is categorized and placed into the sheets in categories,
such as budget, lodging, transportation, activities, countries to
visit and the like. The plan sections 1810 may be further divided
into classes and subclasses that account for particular aspects of
the phase or aspect of the project, such as, under budget there may
be sub-categories such as length of stay, monetary conversion
rates, and the like. In the present example, at the end of the
concept phase, the traveler is able to view all of his inputs,
selections and choices categorized and collected into separate
sections for reviewing, editing and modifying, if desired.
[0212] The filtering mechanism 1812 receives all the information
and data including design parameters, selections and other
guidelines provided or selected by the user and entered via the
planning sheets 1808. The information and data is filtered along
the user's desired guidelines and parameters. In this example, if
the traveler has entered information suggesting that the traveler
has once traveled to Asia then the filter 1812 ensures that all
information and requests for input that may related to travel in
Asia is not included for consideration. The filter causes the
information and data to be reduced and segregated into appropriate
plan sections. The segregated information and data is saved and
organized into appropriate classes and subclasses in the planning
sheets. The project system 1800 uses the information saved and
stored in the planning sheets 1808 to create the vision album
1814.
[0213] The provider group uses the vision album 1814 in
collaboration with the career planner to further refine and modify
the information and data in the plan sections to develop the
project guide. The provider group makes additional queries and
provides additional related information to the user group based on
the information in the vision album. In one embodiment, the
filtering mechanism continues to filter the segregated information
and data and further narrow the information data into specific
needs, wants and desires of the career planner. In this example,
the provider group may comprise travel professionals.
[0214] In this example, the provider makes note that in the vision
album the traveler states that he is an artist who is fascinated
with Italian artists. The provider group decides to make further
inquires of the traveler asking, for example, if he had considered
traveling to Rome to view various works of art in various museums.
Information is presented to the career planner regarding this
query. The traveler considers this query and responds
affirmatively. Based on the response, the project system begins to
travel down path 1 of FIG. 18A. The provider group that is making
the queries then begins to formulate the traveler's project guide
1822a. The provider group provides information to the career
planner regarding Italian artists and museums and the like, which
hold their art work. The provider also notes that the traveler has
a very tight travel budget. Thus, the providers provide information
to the traveler regarding low cost, but quality lodging. The
providers also suggest a centralized location for the traveler to
stay so that he can be as close as possible to the museums that
have been identified, this helps to keep transportation costs down.
The providers also suggest various modes of travel, such as buses
that are cheaper alternatives to, for example, taxi cabs and the
like.
[0215] In another embodiment, answers to queries from the provider
group may create a different path, such as path 2 of FIG. 18A. In
this example, the traveler has stated that he is not interested in
seeing any one particular thing, but would rather travel through
Europe, with no particular time schedule or itinerary, stopping at
various locations and staying for various lengths of time. In this
case, the provider group may offer queries about train travel
through Europe and offer suggestions for various routes that
optimize the traveler's ability to see as many countries as
possible in the span of time that the traveler has specified. The
providers also provide information of lodging in hostels, which may
be ideal for this type of travel. The creation of the user project
guide is begun. This leads to more queries from the provider group
regarding obtaining visas, monetary exchanges, local
transportation, expected language barriers and travel warnings and
the like. Once selected, all of the information that the traveler
chooses to rely on is incorporated into the project guide.
[0216] In this example, once the project journal 1822 has been
completed, the traveler has a plan for traveling by train to see
five countries in Europe in 20 days. The traveler's completed
project guide is provided to the facilitator group, which helps the
traveler to put the trip plan into action. The facilitators may
include travel agents, lodgers, transportation specialists, money
exchangers and the like who can help to implement the actual travel
desires of the traveler. The facilitator group documents each
aspect of the trip plan that leads to the creation of the project
journal that incorporates all the final information and data
associated with the travel project. As before, in combination, the
vision album, the project guide and the project journal are
combined to form the completed project portfolio. The traveler may
at anytime before, during or after the trip view any aspect of the
travel plan.
[0217] Thus, the technical features of the computer implemented
system for generating a project planning document may include
mechanisms for presenting queries relating to a project type to
prompt first inputs from a first user; filtering the first inputs
to populate segments of an initial planning sheet representing an
initial planning path with the filtered first inputs, the filtering
based on user selections from the first user provided in response
to the initial queries to create an initial project plan;
presenting a plurality of additional queries based on the filtered
first inputs to prompt a plurality of secondary inputs; filtering
the plurality of secondary inputs to populate segments of an
alternative planning sheet representing an alternative planning
path with filtered secondary inputs, the filtering based on user
selections from the first user provided in response to the
plurality of additional queries, wherein an alternative project
plan is produced from the alternative planning path, which is
different from the initial project plan, and creating a first guide
that includes the alternative project plan; modifying the
alternative project plan in response to interactive and
collaborative queries made between the first user and a second user
to produce a modified alternative project plan, and creating a
second guide that includes the modified alternative project plan;
recording actions taken and the progress being made in implementing
the modified alternative project plan in a third guide; and
generating a project planning document including at least the
information included in the first guide, the second guide and the
third guide.
[0218] Although embodiments and their components have been
specifically described and illustrated, many modifications,
combinations, and variations of the embodiments will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Furthermore, it is understood and
contemplated that features specifically discussed for one
embodiment may be adopted for inclusion with another embodiment
provided the functions are compatible. Accordingly, it is to be
understood that the planning system and components thereof
developed and implemented according to principles of this
disclosure may be embodied other than as specifically described
herein. The invention is defined in the following claims.
* * * * *
References