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Is Design charrette needed in industrial projects?

What does design charrette mean?

 A design charrette is an intensely collaborative process where a diverse team from different disciplines explores and shares a broad diversity of design ideas over meetings.

A complex project is often divided into breakout groups. Each sub-group has a particular challenge. They sit and brainstorm to get a solution and then present it to the group. 


The group comprises members from various disciplines- often project stakeholders, design consultants, domain experts. This process is needed in any industrial project to reach a holistic design.

Usually, the best practices in design charrettes are documented in a handbook for future use.


Objectives of holding a design charrette: 


  • The objective of a design charrette is to develop a way to overcome the challenge posed.
  • Another aim of the design charrette is to bring down the planning and conceptualization stage time. 
  • A significant benefit of this process is bringing all team members on the same page. 

The result is a well-rounded design with all stakeholders on board.

 

Time-Period: 


Typically, the process takes about 7-10 days. But the plan & estimates may take a bit longer.


Who can be a facilitator?


A facilitator is a neutral person who guides the group and ensures action is taken. A facilitator encourages to take new approaches and work a way towards solutions. 


Role of a facilitator?


The facilitator’s role includes the following:

  • To ensure that all participate
  • He ensures that only one person speaks, and everyone discusses the same topic. 
  • He ensures the focus is always on ideas and issues.
  • A facilitator sees that everyone is on the same page. 
  • He prepares a summary. 
  • He prepares a final report. 
  • Finally, he gets updates on the smaller design charrettes.

Advantages of a design charrette?


  • A design charrette is a kick start to a project
  • It is a creative process.
  • As members are from many disciplines, the team can get inputs immediately. 
  • It helps in removing bottlenecks early in the project. 
  • It brings consensus on project goals.
  • Project goals are quantified. 
  • It builds consensus on design priorities.
  • Multiple conceptual plans can be discussed.
  • Time is saved on iterations. 
  • Provides for opportunities to discuss specific alternatives and improvements



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