What are the best ways to manage a design project with high uncertainty?

The most important aspect is the type of project financing. If the project is highly uncertain, cost plus fixed fee is required. The Firm Fix Price approach is very risky and can affect business continuity. Once this is agreed and defined, we can focus on the project management techniques described below by other colleagues.

In a nutshell when implemented with agility aspects in design projects with significant uncertainty, change management enables a more responsive, flexible, and iterative approach. It ensures that the project remains aligned with changing requirements and that it can effectively meet the challenges of uncertainty while focusing on delivering value to stakeholders.

Managing a design project with high uncertainty is challenging. few important AIs could be 1 .Clear Communication. 2. Agile Approach: Embrace flexibility, adaptability, and iterative development. 3. Risk Assessment: Identify potential risks and create contingency plans. 4. Prototyping: Try to develop quick and simple models to visualize ideas. 5. Regular Feedback 6. Collaboration: Encourage teamwork & brainstorming. 7. Prioritization 8. Buffer Time 9. Documentation: If possible, Please do include. 10 .Expert Consultation. 11. Continuous Learning: Embrace a culture of learning and improvement. By implementing these strategies, one can effectively manage a design project with high uncertainty while ensuring a smooth and successful execution

In my experience, the best way to design a project is clarify since the very beginning what are the needs of your stakeholders (or customers). Once you know exactly these details, it's easier to define the scope, objectives, phases and milestones, making them S.M.A.R.T in every step. Another suggestion, as a PM it's a must to get to know the main aspects of your project, even the things that could go wrong on the run. Start assigning +/- 10% of the budget for uncertainties, but on the run you can adjust this number, so you get covered and the owner doesn't faint with the final budget and the adjustments :)

One thing I've learned is how cost savings can be achieved by leveraging sub-markets during critical stages of a project. For example, where demolition of a steel frame is concerned, a steel-work contractor may look to pay you to demolish and remove the steel on the basis of its re-sale or scrap value. This can cut a significant cost allowance from any early feasibility cost plans and provide the Client with some early assurance. The fees previously assigned to the demolition could be reallocated to provide additional funding elsewhere.

Managing a design project with high uncertainty requires manageable risk mitigation strategies from its inception. This needs to be ongoing and carefully guarded. With risk mitigation in place, a seasoned team needs to be adept at course-correcting quickly when these risks change or expand. Because risk is heightened, effective communication with stakeholders needs to be well maintained. Expectations and decisive strategic implementation are crucial.

Clearly define what the problems are and rank them by what solutions will have the greatest impact. Doing so will help you prioritize which problems to tackle first.

One time I have found helpful is the need to be agile in design approach avoid any form of waterfall method of work. This will boost the learning process and break down the myth

I cannot stress how important it is to test multiple iterations of a design idea. There will be problems and changes that arise while the project is ongoing. This is a fact. Your solution in the beginning versus your solution in the end will change so it is best to get ahead of it and plan out how those changes can happen.

One time at work: One Monday morning, our design team gathered for a crucial project kickoff meeting. The challenge ahead was significant, and the level of uncertainty loomed over our initial discussions. In my experience: In my experience, navigating uncertain design projects requires effective communication and collaboration. One thing I have found helpful: One thing I have found helpful in such situations is establishing a transparent and collaborative communication channel to keep everyone in the loop but also facilitate instant feedback. As the project progressed, team members freely shared their thoughts, concerns, and emerging ideas.

Ensuring a strong contractual foundation is key when managing a design project with high uncertainty. Opting for a time-based billing approach over a fixed scope ensures that our dedication and efforts are fairly compensated, no matter how the project landscape evolves. At MCI we've found it beneficial to incorporate a 20% contingency into our contracts. This addition acts as a safety net, averting potential delays and allowing us to seamlessly adapt to any changes that might occur during the design process.

On a hectic Friday afternoon, while celebrating our accomplishments, it became evident that there were valuable lessons to be learned from the hurdles we had overcome. In my experience, the key to thriving in the dynamic world is a commitment to learning and continuous improvement. One thing I have found helpful is implementing post-project retrospectives and after the project's completion, we gathered as a team to candidly discuss what went well, what could have been done differently, and what valuable insights we gained. As a result, learning from our experiences became an integral part of our design process, ensuring that each project was not just a task to complete but an opportunity to enhance our skills and refine our approach.

First, incorporate redundancy into the design and management cycle. Engineers have a concept called as alternate load factor design, which is a way to incorporate redundancy. Second, know when to deploy the alternative factors because they will not independently reveal themselves. Over here, deftness comes into play and focus. Third (of many more), because uncertainty breeds volatility and ambiguity, it is important to foresee, …, and I becoming redundant because that is the purpose for being deft.