If your colleague ignores industry standards in design, it can lead to significant costs for the project. Standards ensure quality, safety, and manufacturability. Ignoring them can cause issues like incompatibility with manufacturing processes, requiring costly adjustments. It may also lead to safety and quality problems, which require expensive revisions. Additionally, failure to follow standards can cause legal issues or prevent necessary certifications. Overall, ignoring standards increases time, resources, and costs, while affecting product quality. It’s crucial for your colleague to respect standards to keep the project on track and within budget.

When a colleague ignores industry standards in CAD work, I approach the situation with an open mind and a focus on collaboration. First, I try to understand their creative vision by having a respectful conversation about why they’re choosing to deviate from the standards. I explain the importance of following industry guidelines for consistency, safety, and functionality, and how it can streamline the design process. If their approach offers a unique advantage, I discuss ways to incorporate their creativity while still aligning with the standards. Ultimately, my goal is to find a balance where we can achieve both creative innovation and industry compliance.