Interpretation of a Discrete de Rham method as a Finite Element System

We show that the DDR method can be interpreted as defining a computable consistent discrete ${\mathrm{L}}^2$ product on a conforming FES defined by PDEs. Without modifying the numerical method itself, this point of view provides an alternative approach to the analysis. The conformity and consistency properties we obtain are stronger than those previously shown, even in low dimensions. We can also recover some of the other results that have been proved about DDR, from those that have already been proved, in principle, in the general context of FES. We also bring VEM, the Virtual Element Method, into the discussion.