INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN EVOLVING ACCUMULATING STORIES (IDEAS)
Amplifying Public Works Voice and Expertise: From Field Observations to Product Innovation
About Project
The gap between engineered design and operational reality costs the water/wastewater industry millions in inefficiency. Public works staff possess irreplaceable knowledge about what actually works—but this expertise rarely influences product development.
Community Circle, in collaboration with Yukon University, UBC, and public works staff nationwide, is building domain-specific AI that:
- Captures field intelligence from public works operations
- Identifies patterns in design flaws and maintenance challenges
- Translates operator insights into engineering requirements
- Creates feedback loops between users and manufacturers
The goal: Make public works the driving voice in how water/wastewater products are designed, engineered, and improved.
Target contributors: Public Works Operators & Maintenance Staff
Target beneficiaries: Engineers | Manufacturers | Asset Managers |Future Operators
Transform hands-on expertise into industry standards. When public works speaks, design should listen—and now it will.
Launched by Ewan McDonald and Bavisha Kalyan at the 16th Annual BC & YT First Nation Water &Wastewater, Operational Excellence Conference
October 7-9, 2025 | Vancouver, BC
