An instructional design for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Revit in interior design curriculum

Current trends in integrated project design and delivery methods demand the development of new software competencies in interior design pedagogy. Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized visualization, preconstruction simulation, life cycle analysis, and enabled faster construction, thus promoting more sustainable integrated practices with a rich repertoire of building information available for the design team. This new tool presents opportunities for interior design educators to teach software and skills that are necessary to prepare students for integrated practice. This article discusses an instructional design approach of introducing BIM and Revit into the interior design curriculum at University of Minnesota. John Robert Anderson’s ACT-R (Adaptive Control of Thought-Rational) theory is utilized to guide students through the learning process. ACT-R theory focuses on three stages of skill acquisition: cognitive, associative and autonomous stages. These three stages present implications for teaching interior design students about BIM and Revit.