DQI process
Starting the DQI process
Edward Cullinan Architects started the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) process to engage stakeholders in setting priorities and aspirations for design development of the International Digital Laboratory.
The DQI session took place at the briefing stage before any design development took place. It allowed a structured and measurable conversation about positive and negative aspects of the existing International Manufacturing Centre. This fed into the development of the brief and design for the International Digital Laboratory.
Gathering the stakeholders
A client representative from the Warwick Manufacturing Group gathered stakeholders including:
- current users of the International Manufacturing Centre such as the receptionist, the systems manager and the facilities manager
- client representatives including the director of academic administration
- representatives from the estates office at the University of Warwick.
The DQI facilitator briefed the stakeholders about the reasons for holding the session.
Running the DQI session
The facilitator drew on examples of successful and unsuccessful buildings to get stakeholders thinking about design and how it affects functional requirements and other aspects of design quality. By stressing the importance of good design, the facilitator empowered stakeholders to influence design through the DQI session.
The facilitator discussed each set of questions with the stakeholders as a group. Individual responses were also collected online. The group discussed the individual and cumulative results which showed different perspectives of the building and shared priorities to be pursued.
The DQI session ensured that respondents were recognised as experts in their specialist areas. It created a holistic picture of usage and ensured that all respondents had an equal voice and contribution to the outcomes of the session.
