(Unit 3 – 1.1) How to follow a design process

-          The Design Supply Chain and it’s features

What is a design supply chain?

A design supply chain is a process which consists of people, organisations, suppliers, manufacturers, information, technology and all parties which are involved, whether it’s directly or indirectly, reaching from the supplier all the way to the customer.

There are very few features of the design supply chain that we need throughout the system in order for it to be a successful chain. I am going to list a few of the features which we need throughout, then showing a typical chain which we use;-

Features which we need throughout the chain:

·         Speed;

We need speed in the supply chain when we develop, create and produce the work of a project and also the consistency of the speed is important, so that it is continuous throughout the varied people that are involved. The speed also needs to be reasonable and cost effective for the required budget.

·         Quality;

 As well as the above being important, we also need quality in the work being produced, quality in the way we approach other parties so that we keep a continuous professional appearance.

·         Flexibility;

 We need to be flexible when working with other organisations for example, in case any changes in the development or project have been made. We need to be flexible and prepared for any amendments or alterations.

·         Knowledge/skills;

 This is one of the main priorities as without this feature, we wouldn’t be able to produce the work or have knowledge about how the chain works. Our knowledge and the correct skills allow us to know how and to complete projects successfully and in the correct way. For example, the knowledge in software is needed to create the work, or the skills in knowing who to contact such as other organisations to get the right job done.

·         Communication;

 This is a key feature to complete any project. There needs to be communication between everyone that is involved within the design supply chain even if it is not directly speaking for each individual. For example each organisation communicates within their selves and manager to get the correct requirements for the project, whereas the manager maybe speaking directly to the client who has contacted them.

Our typical design supply chain

This is our typical design supply chain which we use on a daily basis to make projects successful, accurately and efficiently. It helps us to see each stage of the chain in a clearer way of understanding what’s involved. As you can see, this chain doesn’t involve as many outside / other parties than others.

In relation to my work, I am going to represent a similar design supply chain, which will show the stages of my work with Keepmoat Homes.

This is a simple chain showing the work flow and supply chain of a marketing material project. Firstly, Keepmoats’ client contacts them with the plans for a house development to be built, which then Keepmoat needs the 3d and Marketing material to be created, which is where T2 come into the chain. T2 then creates the marketing material and 3d Images for the house types required by Keepmoat. However if there is no marketing designs supplied by Keepmoat, they then pay T2 to come up with some ideas to market their homes. Keepmoat supplies us with materials if they require us to specifically use them. For example, they have supplied us with their company logo, corporate guidelines and house development information in an AutoCad format.

We also use the features in our design supply chain, in order to make sure that the project is successful and signed off correctly and at its best performance. We have a continuous, effective pace of speed to get the job finished on time to meet the deadline. However as well as speed, we also produce the work at its best quality and ability. Throughout our chain we are also very flexible, for example our client at Keepmoat sometimes may ask for changes. Therefore we are always prepared for alterations or any problems that may occur during the process.
Here at T2 we always make sure that we are up to date with the latest software, keeping progress with our knowledge and skills at the best of our ability. Without knowledge and skill, we wouldn’t be able to produce the marketing materials that our clients desire.  Not only that, communication is a key feature when producing a project. We also keep our client up to date with the progress whether it’s verbally or non-verbal.  Without communication, the project could get out of track and we wouldn’t know what has been completed within ourselves. Also we wouldn’t know what the client thinks, if there are any changes, any other requirements, or even most of all we wouldn’t have the project to complete without our client being able to contact us in the first place. Communication is a key feature for organisation, development, progress and success.