What do you do if your Environmental Design project needs improvement?

1 Identify the problem

The first step to improve your environmental design project is to identify the problem or the gap between your initial goals and your current outcomes. You can use various methods to diagnose the problem, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or testing. You should also consider the perspectives of different stakeholders, such as clients, users, or experts, and how they evaluate your design. By identifying the problem, you can narrow down the scope of improvement and prioritize the most urgent or impactful issues.

2 Analyze the causes

The next step is to analyze the causes of the problem and understand why your design is not meeting your expectations or requirements. You can use tools such as SWOT analysis, root cause analysis, or fishbone diagram to explore the factors that affect your design, such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, or risks. You should also examine your assumptions, constraints, or limitations, and how they influenced your design decisions. By analyzing the causes, you can find the root of the problem and avoid repeating the same mistakes.

3 Generate alternatives

The third step is to generate alternatives and explore different ways to solve the problem or improve your design. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, sketching, prototyping, or scenario planning to generate as many ideas as possible, without judging or filtering them at this stage. You should also involve your stakeholders and solicit their feedback, suggestions, or preferences. By generating alternatives, you can expand your design possibilities and discover new opportunities or solutions.

4 Evaluate options

The fourth step is to evaluate options and select the best one for your design improvement. You can use criteria such as feasibility, desirability, viability, or sustainability to compare and contrast the pros and cons of each option. You should also test your options with your stakeholders and measure their performance, satisfaction, or impact. By evaluating options, you can make informed and rational decisions and choose the most effective and efficient option for your design improvement.

5 Implement changes

The fifth step is to implement changes and execute your design improvement plan. You can use tools such as action plan, timeline, budget, or checklist to organize and manage your tasks, resources, or deliverables. You should also communicate your changes with your stakeholders and explain the rationale and benefits of your design improvement. By implementing changes, you can transform your design from concept to reality and achieve your desired outcomes.

6 Monitor results

The final step is to monitor results and assess the impact of your design improvement. You can use methods such as feedback, evaluation, or review to collect and analyze data on your design performance, quality, or effectiveness. You should also reflect on your design process and identify the lessons learned, best practices, or areas for further improvement. By monitoring results, you can measure your design success and ensure your design meets your goals and expectations.

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?