DQI launch and review of the recently completed first stage building using the DQI In-Use tool
The DQI tool had not been previously considered by the authority, so it was important that this project demonstrated the full capabilities and benefits that were anticipated from using it. It was important that decision makers in the authority were fully aware of the tool, the process and were in agreement with the proposed approach.
The event was held over two days and organised into three main sections:
- DQI launch - 19 June 2007 (a.m.) – The aim of this event was to introduce the DQI process to key individuals and champion the benefits to a wider strategic audience
- DQI In-Use workshop - 19 June 2007 (p.m.) - The DQI In-Use tool was completed by key users, predominantly from within the school, to evaluate the first stage of building work. The composition of the group changed from the launch event, which was more strategically focused, to being more end user and client focused
Due to the diverse nature of the group, the DQI Leader asked all key users to complete a DQI In-Use questionnaire on paper prior to the workshop so it could be used as a starting point for discussion. Following that the DQI In-Use questionnaire was then filled in on line
- DQI Briefing workshop -20 June 2007(all day) - The DQI Briefing tool was used to discuss aspirations for the planned future KS3, KS4 and KS5 building work. Participants were divided into three groups, which would be changed for each session, with a different discussion approach used for each of the Required, Desired and Inspired tags
Experiences of the DQI Facilitator at the Briefing Stage Workshop
This was a complex three part event to facilitate, including awareness raising to a delegate group and two end user DQI workshop sessions on the existing building and briefing. New participants were bought in during the Briefing workshop which meant that a significant amount of pre-planning and discussion with the DQI Leader was required.
The strength of the DQI tool is the accessibility of the question set it provides to stakeholders from all disciplines. The graphical outputs which derive from it provide “results” which are both a useful analytical record of aspirations and achievement, but are also of interest to the participants who like to see a tangible outcome from their endeavours.
The process of the workshop sessions, each organised to be delivered as a different type of activity, resulted in very enjoyable, interactive and dynamic discussions between the School staff, Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, and CDA and this led to a shared understanding of, and respect for, their different perspectives and the achievement of a Briefing consensus.
The DQI Facilitators deliberately set out to make the process fun for the participants and encouraged laughter and good humour as a means of team building between the disparate groups. The venues chosen for the event by the DQI Leader helped create a positive atmosphere. Feedback and discussion between the DQI Leader and the facilitators between and after the sessions was very helpful in maintaining the dynamism of the event.
General Observations
The DQI event and process had a number of positive outcomes, namely;
- encouraged early communication and improved awareness and knowledge of the design process and appreciation of different professional opinions and approaches when designing a school
- the designer and end user interface was another key success whereby the designers developed a clear understanding of the needs and aspirations of users. And the end users developed an understanding of the challenge of designing a building to a budget, where in some cases not all of the end users aspirations can be delivered
- established a clear timetable for the development of the project
- developed a consensus of opinion between different groups, and a quality benchmark from inception that is measurable and objective
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