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Last updated on 2024年8月5日

You're at odds with a client on material choices for a project. How do you find common ground?

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Navigating disagreements with a client over material selection for a project can be a challenging aspect of your work in materials science. Your expertise is invaluable, yet it's crucial to align with your client's vision and constraints. Whether it's a matter of cost, performance, or aesthetics, finding common ground requires patience, communication, and a strategic approach. By understanding their priorities and educating them on the properties and implications of different materials, you can guide the decision-making process towards a mutually beneficial outcome. The key is to balance technical suitability with the client's needs, ensuring the project's success.

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Philip Woollaston

Senior Project Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

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1 Assess Needs

Begin by thoroughly assessing your client's needs and constraints. Understand what drives their material preferences, whether it's budget, durability, sustainability, or something else. This knowledge allows you to present alternatives that align with their priorities. For instance, if cost is a concern, you might suggest cost-effective composites instead of pricier metals. If sustainability is key, biodegradable polymers could be an option. By demonstrating how alternative materials meet their needs, you can turn the conversation from confrontation to collaboration.

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Elaine Chan

Integrated provider for building & decorative materials｜ Furniture,Door&Window,Custom Cabinets,Wall panel,Tiles｜if your building project want to import materials from China,contact us (whatsapp/wechat: +86-13827749901）
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1.First, communicate with the client to understand why they want to choose a particular material. Identify the client's underlying reasons and try to see things from their perspective. 2. If after gaining a deeper understanding of the client's intentions, you find that the client's choice is based on some misconception, use clear and intuitive explanations to help them understand the potential negative consequences of their choice. 3.If the client still insists on their choice after understanding the possible negative outcomes, suggest proceeding in phases. Start with a small-scale sample room or a small batch production to see the actual results.

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Majid Karimian

Professor assistant & research Manager
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in my experience cost effective composites are more attrcative in both case of market and industry. but of course it depends on the needs of customer

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2 Educate Client

Your role includes educating your client on the technical aspects of materials without overwhelming them with jargon. Explain the trade-offs of different materials in terms of performance and longevity. For example, while stainless steel offers corrosion resistance, it may be overkill for an application where less expensive galvanized steel will suffice. Use relatable analogies to help them grasp complex concepts. This approach fosters trust and helps the client make informed decisions.

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3 Explore Options

Encourage your client to explore a range of options. Present a selection of materials with varying price points and properties. For example, if they desire the look of natural wood but require greater durability, introduce them to wood-plastic composites. This can help them understand the spectrum of possibilities and may reveal solutions they hadn't considered. It's important to keep an open mind and be willing to research new materials that could satisfy both your professional standards and the client's preferences.

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Basma EL ZEIN, Ph.D

Inventor | Nanoscientist for Energy Conversion & Storage | Sustainable Development | Leader | Reuters Global Energy Transition Award, Woman for Women | Makkah Excellence Award for Sustainability| Renewable Energy Expert
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I would start by doing Research for Alternative materials that not only meet the client's requirements but also address any technical or practical concerns . Then Reach out to material suppliers or manufacturers for detailed specifications, availability, and pricing. This will be followed by presenting real case studies. Finally Create a Detailed Comparison Chart, including all material’s key attributes such as cost, durability, maintenance, aesthetic appeal, environmental impact, and sustainability. Discuss them with the client and take a collaborative decision .

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4 Compromise Smartly

Finding common ground often means compromising. However, make sure any compromises don't compromise the project's integrity. If your client insists on a less suitable material for aesthetic reasons, propose a hybrid solution. For instance, use the preferred material as a decorative veneer over a structurally sound base material. This way, you maintain the project's performance while respecting the client's vision.

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5 Balance Costs

Balancing cost considerations is vital in material selection. Help your client understand the long-term value of investing in higher-quality materials upfront versus potential maintenance and replacement costs later. If they are adamant about reducing initial costs, suggest phased material upgrades or identify non-critical areas where cheaper materials can be used without affecting overall quality. This demonstrates financial empathy while safeguarding the project's standards.

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Philip Woollaston

Senior Project Manager at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
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In most instances compliance to the budget is key. In all projects the designers are aware at the outset of the any budget constraints. If they are unable to comply then they should not have undertaken the design role.

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6 Finalize Selection

Once you've navigated through needs, education, options, compromises, and costs, it's time to finalize the material selection. Summarize the agreed-upon choices and ensure your client fully understands the implications of these decisions for the project's timeline, budget, and outcome. Documenting this agreement helps prevent future misunderstandings and sets a clear path forward for the project's successful completion.

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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?

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You're at odds with a client on material choices for a project. How do you find common ground?

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1 Assess Needs

2 Educate Client

3 Explore Options

4 Compromise Smartly

5 Balance Costs

6 Finalize Selection

7 Here’s what else to consider

Materials Science

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