A city is planning measures to protect against heavy rainfall. Technically, many options seem feasible. But it quickly becomes clear that this is not just a matter of engineering. Permits must be obtained, various agencies are involved, data is missing or difficult to compare—and individual measures influence one another. What seems solvable at first glance thus becomes a web of interdependencies.
Such situations are typical today—whether in climate adaptation, digitalization and infrastructure projects, or municipal planning. Decisions no longer arise from a single issue but from the interplay of many factors.
“The challenge is not to avoid complexity. The challenge is to structure it in such a way that one remains capable of acting.”
Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan
Structure Instead of Overwhelm
This is precisely where the TIMEA platform (Innovation Transfer through Multi-Level Analysis) comes in, developed at the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems (inwa) at Hof University of Applied Sciences. It helps to clearly structure complex issues and analyze them in a comprehensible way. The basis for this is what is known as multi-level analysis. Put simply, this means: A problem is not viewed in isolation, but simultaneously from various perspectives—such as technical, organizational, or legal. This reveals connections that are otherwise easily overlooked.
What used to be frequently represented in extensive Excel spreadsheets can now be visually presented in TIMEA. Criteria can be recorded, linked together, and analyzed collectively. Results remain traceable at all times—an advantage especially in coordination processes involving many stakeholders. “Especially in complex projects, it is crucial to maintain an overview—and that is exactly where TIMEA provides support,” says Müller-Czygan.
AI Support
Valuable insights often emerge during workshops or discussions that are not fully documented. TIMEA supports this process with an integrated text analyzer. It compares notes with previously recorded content, identifies missing aspects, flags potential duplicates, and highlights inconsistencies. This makes the analysis more comprehensive—without relinquishing control over the technical evaluation.
“AI does not replace expert evaluation, but it helps us maintain an overview and avoid blind spots.”
Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan
The technical foundation is the university’s own LLM solution, LISA, which is integrated into the platform via an interface. Processing takes place within the project environment, and the use of AI is deliberately controlled.
Tested in Practice and Research
From the very beginning, TIMEA was not only developed but also actively used—in seminars, workshops, and research projects. The feedback gained from these experiences was continuously incorporated into further development. Terminology was refined, processes simplified, and visualizations made clearer. This transforms a scientific method into a practical tool—for everyone working with complex issues.
The platform is already available for testing: Online access is available at www.timea-tool.de, where interested parties can familiarize themselves with how the tool works and its capabilities. (Login email: demo@gmail.com, password: demo)
The TIMEA project (“Accelerating the Transfer of Innovations through Web-Based Multi-Level Analysis”) was supported as part of the DATIpilot funding program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
