Process modelling for planning, managing and control of collaborative design

Process modelling has become an established tool whereby the information requirements of the design team may be identified, mapped, modelled and then reviewed to ensure that the final design and the design process take cognisance of all the stakeholders involved within the project. Over the last decade several techniques and products based on this approach have emerged. The ADePT technique developed from initial research at Loughborough University has been used for the management of the design of a range of infrastructure projects and engineering products. The methodology that has subsequently evolved has helped to: ensure the rigorous planning of design; control design deliverables; manage customer expectations, assist with change management; and ensure the development of robust process and control systems. Over this period the approach described in this chapter has been implemented on over 40 projects in the UK and worldwide, with a total contract value of over £4Bn Evidence of the overall impact of ADePT implementations has been gathered by ongoing research undertaken by the writers, feedback from individual project teams and by independent assessment. The writers’ close association with the initial research that led to the ADePT technique, and the subsequent methodology and its implementation have enabled them to fully monitor and review not only the development of the methodology but also its adoption and use for collaborative design across project teams. This chapter considers collaborative design to be project based design involving multi-disciplinary teams. It outlines both the ADePT technique, the original method, the subsequently developed methodology, the body of methods that have been produced, and their adoption within a collaborative design environment. Three case studies are introduced to highlight the use of process mapping, the repeatable nature of design, and the control of workflow. Lessons learned for the transfer of innovations are also discussed.