10/06/2026
From LOD to LOIN — The Evolution of BIM Information Requirements
The BIM industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 15+ years.
What began as a focus on Level of Development (LOD) evolved into a much smarter approach: Level of Information Need (LOIN).
📌 2008 – LOD Era
The industry gained a common language for defining model development. However, many projects became focused on achieving higher LODs rather than delivering actual project value.
📌 2013 – LoD + LOI
The UK introduced a more balanced approach by separating geometry from information. This helped teams understand that detailed models alone don't guarantee better project outcomes.
📌 2018 – ISO 19650
The conversation shifted from model detail to information management. The focus became delivering the right information to the right people at the right time.
📌 2020 – LOIN
A major milestone in BIM maturity. The principle became simple:
"No information without purpose."
Only information that supports decision-making and creates value should be delivered.
🎯 The real BIM evolution isn't about creating bigger models—it's about enabling better decisions.
As BIM professionals, our goal is not to produce more data but to deliver meaningful information that reduces waste, improves collaboration, and drives project success.
💡 Are your projects still chasing LOD numbers, or have they embraced the LOIN mindset?
👇 Share your thoughts in the comments.
📍 Learn professional BIM skills and industry-ready workflows at VDEI – www.vdei.in.
