Two key strategies that consistently lead to successful change management are: 1. Clear Communication of Change Context 2. A Streamlined Change Management Process In my experience, transparency and clear communication about the context of design changes help prevent conflicts. Every change is driven by a reason to meet client requirements and enhance the final solution. When the rationale behind a change is communicated effectively with a client-centric approach, teams typically align quickly with minimal resistance. Additionally, overly restrictive change management processes can create friction between teams. To ensure smooth change approvals, the process should be simple, efficient, and free from unnecessary barriers to approval.

Handling design conflicts effectively requires both emotional intelligence and strategic thinking. One approach that has worked for me is early collaboration involving key stakeholders from different teams in the design process from the start. This helps set expectations and reduces resistance later. Another strategy is framing the discussion around user impact rather than personal or departmental preferences. When everyone aligns on what benefits the end user or business goals, disagreements become easier to resolve. Lastly, I’ve found that visualizing alternatives, mockups, or prototypes can make discussions more objective. People often react differently when they see a concept in action rather than just discussing it in theory.

We realise that conflict could arise when design team does not take into confidence all the stakeholders prior to execution of the design change. Points of conflict could be - feasibility challenges, tight timelines, potential disruptions in the current setup, cost escalation, concern about customer’s response, etc. One of the solutions can be to discuss the purpose of design change with those directly or indirectly affected by the change and genuine appreciation of their support ( eg. quoting past experiences), in advance.

Successful design improvements necessitate both technical expertise and stakeholder management. By delivering data-driven ideas and carefully listening to the concerns of other teams, we may transform potential disputes into opportunities for collaboration. I prioritise engaging stakeholders early on, communicating the larger vision for improvements, and collaborating to refine ideas that benefit the overall project.

Any Design changes either in my discipline or others, we have to understand the requirement of design change. If the changes are mandatory in the aspect of enhance the process or other means. All team has to work together to identify minimal design change. which will make team to convince. All the above, appropriate Work Instructions shall be developed and to avoid these kinds of changes in future.