How do you get non-engineers to understand your designs?

1 Know your audience

The first step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to know your audience. Who are they, what are their needs, expectations, and concerns, and what level of detail and explanation do they require? Depending on your audience, you may need to adjust your language, tone, and style, and focus on different aspects of your designs. For example, a client may be more interested in the cost, timeline, and functionality of your project, while a stakeholder may be more concerned about the environmental, social, or legal implications. A general audience may need more background information, examples, and visuals to grasp the basic concepts and goals of your designs.

2 Simplify your language

The second step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to simplify your language. Avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience, and instead use plain and simple words that convey your message clearly and concisely. If you need to use a specific term, make sure to define it or explain it in a way that your audience can relate to. For example, instead of saying "the design incorporates a reinforced concrete cantilever retaining wall", you could say "the design uses a strong and stable wall that sticks out from the ground to hold back the soil".

3 Use visuals and analogies

The third step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to use visuals and analogies. Visuals, such as sketches, diagrams, maps, photos, or videos, can help your audience see what your designs look like, how they work, and what impact they have on the site and the surroundings. Analogies, such as comparisons, metaphors, or stories, can help your audience understand how your designs solve a problem, meet a need, or achieve a goal, by relating them to something familiar or relevant. For example, you could compare your design to a bridge, a car, or a house, and explain how it performs a similar function or has a similar feature.

4 Highlight the benefits and value

The fourth step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to highlight the benefits and value of your projects. Rather than focusing on the technical details or specifications of your designs, emphasize how they address the needs, expectations, and concerns of your audience, and how they create positive outcomes for them and for the society. For example, you could explain how your design improves the safety, efficiency, or accessibility of a road, how it reduces the environmental impact or enhances the aesthetic appeal of a building, or how it saves time, money, or resources for a client or a stakeholder.

5 Anticipate and address questions and objections

The fifth step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to anticipate and address questions and objections that they may have. Be prepared to answer common or likely questions that your audience may ask, such as why you chose a certain design option, how you ensured the quality and reliability of your design, or what are the risks or challenges involved in your project. Also, be ready to address any potential objections or criticisms that your audience may have, such as how you dealt with the ethical, legal, or social issues of your design, or how you balanced the trade-offs or constraints of your project.

6 Engage and interact with your audience

The sixth and final step to getting non-engineers to understand your designs is to engage and interact with your audience. Don't just present your designs as a one-way monologue, but invite your audience to participate, comment, or give feedback on your projects. Ask them questions, listen to their opinions, and acknowledge their perspectives. Show them that you care about their input and that you value their collaboration. By engaging and interacting with your audience, you can build rapport, trust, and confidence, and make them feel more involved and invested in your designs.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?