How taking photos could increase the quality of construction

The more and more I work with the construction industry through Captego, I have looked at it through a behavioral science lens and how things could be improved using technology and psychology.?The third reason is my personal favourite.

As it stands, taking photos in construction is reserved for either site managers for reference or snagging, or contractors taking photos because they are proud of their work and posting it on LinkedIn (more of this would be great).?

If construction companies were to have all operatives photograph their own work, it can be a powerful tool for improving the quality of the finished product. This is because the act of taking a photograph creates a record of the work that has been done, which can be used to reflect on and analyse the quality of the work, more so if the photos are turned into usable data.

Looking from a behavioral science perspective, the act of photographing our own work can influence us to focus more on quality in a number of ways.

First, the act of taking a photograph creates a sense of accountability. When we know that our work is being documented, we are more likely to be mindful of the quality of our work and to put in the effort to ensure that it meets our standards. This is due to a psychological concept known as "social comparison," which refers to the way that we evaluate ourselves and our actions based on how they compare to others. When we know that our work will be compared to a documented record, we are more likely to put in the extra effort to make sure it measures up.

Second, reviewing the photographs of our work can help us to identify areas for improvement. This is because the act of reflection allows us to engage in a process known as "metacognition," or thinking about our own thinking. By reviewing the photographs and analyzing our work, we can identify mistakes or areas where the quality could be improved, and take steps to address these issues. This process of continuous self-improvement can be especially powerful when it is done regularly, as it allows us to continually assess and improve the quality of our work over time.

Finally, the act of taking photographs of our work and celebrating our achievements can help to create a sense of pride and ownership in the finished product. When we take the time to document and recognise the hard work and effort that has gone into our projects, we are more likely to feel a sense of accomplishment and to take pride in the quality of our work. This sense of pride and ownership can be especially important in construction, where the work is often physically demanding and the end result may not always be visible to others.

In conclusion, the act of operatives photographing their own work in construction can have a powerful impact on the quality of the finished product. By creating a sense of accountability, encouraging reflection and self-improvement, and fostering a sense of pride in our work, the act of taking photographs can help us to focus more on quality and to produce the best possible results.

So, next time you're working on a construction project, consider taking a few photographs along the way – you might be surprised at the positive impact it has on the final product.

Are there any other benefits you could add to the above?

I would also love to hear your thoughts on this and any other psychological hacks that have been used in business for a positive result.

If you are interested in a way to manage operatives across a construction project being able to take photographs that automatically centralise in one place, making it easy for the relevant people to see and assess them whilst turning them into data that could power your project management process then get in touch with Captego today.