In the past 17 years, structural design has undergone significant changes from a digital perspective. Here are some important developments that come to mind during my career.

  1. Building Information Modeling (BIM): Structural design has shifted from traditional 2D design to 3D model-based design. BIM allows for integration with other design disciplines and improves design efficiency.
  2. Digital analysis tools: Structural engineers now utilize various digital analysis tools, such as Finite Element Method (FEM) software, to simulate the behavior of structures under different load conditions. This enables more accurate design and better predictability.
  3. Cloud services: Sharing and collaboration in design work have become easier with cloud services. Design teams can work on the same project in real-time, share information, and update models easily.
  4. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI): Automation and AI have become more prevalent in structural design. For example, AI can be used to optimize the geometry and material selection of structures. Automation, on the other hand, facilitates the execution of repetitive tasks and frees up designers’ time for solving more complex problems

How do I think structural design will change in the future?

  1. Virtual and augmented reality: Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications can offer new ways to visualize and experience structures before they are built. This can help designers and clients better understand and evaluate designs.
  2. Sustainable and intelligent design: The importance of sustainability and intelligence in structural design is constantly increasing. Designers are increasingly integrating environmentally friendly solutions and leveraging intelligent structures that can, for example, collect data on structural behavior and optimize energy efficiency.

The risks of open digital society

The risks of an open digital society include cybersecurity breaches, loss of privacy, identity theft, misuse of data, digital inequality, and dependency on technology.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) brought significant changes to data protection practices. It strengthened individuals’ rights to protect their personal data and gave them more control over its processing. This is a positive development in the workplace as it fosters trust between organizations and customers. The regulation also emphasizes data accuracy, storage limitations, and security, helping organizations safeguard sensitive information and reduce the risk of data breaches. Additionally, the enhanced notification requirements help organizations create a culture of prompt and transparent communication, which positively impacts the work environment and builds customer trust.

AI


Artificial intelligence can be used, for example, in tender generation, translation text, creating instructional documentation, summarizing long memos, content creation, assisting as a writing assistant, data visualization, and assisting in information retrieval. However, at this stage, I wouldn’t feel comfortable relying on artificial intelligence for obtaining results in structural calculations. The questions would need to be posed very specifically, and even then, there is a significant risk of receiving incorrect results. When asking the AI for a simple structural calculation, it requests to consult a domain expert

Self evaluation


On been fascinating to read about other people’s experiences with the digital society and to relate to many of their experiences. While the risks of open digital society have been known, it is good to be reminded of them from time to time. The course videos have been interesting and have broadened my perspective on the future
Creating a blog has been a valuable learning experience. It has made me realize how much work is involved in a course like this. It requires a lot of thought and reflection on my own experiences and perspectives on various topics. However, the effort has been worthwhile as it has allowed me to explore and develop my thoughts in a meaningful way.

DIGI CITIZEN
https://blogi.savonia.fi/laurajohannaheiskanen/digi-citizen/

Comment for Laura’s site:

You mentioned Temu.com digital shop below. A similar fast fashion chain is Shein. The Finnish Broadcasting Company made a program about that chain where they tested if cheap Chinese fashion brings along harmful toxins for health and the environment, and indeed, they did. I don’t recommend those fast fashion to anyone.

DIGI CITIZEN
Comment for Minna’s site:

Your point about digitalization and the digital gap affecting the elderly is very true. Additionally, services are disappearing from rural areas, making it nearly impossible for older people to purchase tickets if they don’t have relatives or other support to help them access such services.

DIGI CITIZEN 

Comment for Annika’s site:

I agree with you that the digitalization of services is truly beneficial. For instance, Omakanta significantly facilitates the handling of personal and children’s information, I just don’t understand why the information over 12 years old is not visible to parents unless the child has given written consent. I noticed that you had probably accidentally put the same text twice.