Design Guide e-learning module spotlight: Effective processes

An overview of the third module in the GIRI Design Guide e-learning programme focusing on planning the design process and understanding what needs to be done, when, and by whom. 

Effective processes is the third of the three core modules in the GIRI Design Guide e-learning. It is structured around four interconnected topics that help teams plan, coordinate, and control design effectively, and finishes with a knowledge check.

These topics are: 

• Planning design work 
• Information management
• ‘Opening up’ and ‘closing down’
• Design gateways

Each topic provides information on how to apply the relevant principles from the GIRI Design Guide and includes an example scenario to show how the results are directly affected by that guidance.

Topic one: Planning the design work

In this module, you will learn:

• Why creating a project-specific plan early on ensures each phase of the design process delivers the best outcome for the project.
• How clear roles, responsibilities, and timelines help the team coordinate effort and manage risk.
• Example scenario showing what can go wrong if the design work is not planned.
• Recommendations from the GIRI Design Guide about planning the design work.
• The practical steps that can help ensure an efficient and well-managed design process. 
• The design management plan.
• Example scenario showing what can go right when the design work is effectively planned.
• The behaviours that lead to success.
• Questions to help you reflect on how the topic applies to you and your role and help you identify the most important actions you can take.

Topic two: Information management

In this module, you will learn:

• Why a project will be more successful if it has a foundation of well-communicated, good-quality design information.
• How to define what information is needed, in what format, when, and by whom.
• Example scenario showing what can go wrong if information is not managed effectively.
• Recommendations from the GIRI Design Guide about information management.
• How to manage information effectively.
• Example scenario showing what can go right with effective information management. 
• Questions to help you reflect on how the topic applies to you and your role and help you identify the most important actions you can take.

Topic three: Design gateways

In this module, you will learn:

• The role of design gateways in effectively and accurately passing on information to the next stage.
• What the process looks like without design gateways and what can go wrong as a result.
• Recommendations from the GIRI Design Guide about design gateways.
• What the process looks like with design gateways, and how this can improve outcomes.
• Questions to help you reflect on how the topic applies to you and your role and help you identify the most important actions you can take.

Topic four: ‘Opening up’ and ‘closing down’

In this module, you will learn:

• What is meant by ‘opening up’ and ‘closing down’.
• Why effective design requires these two interdependent processes.
• What the process looks like without ‘opening up’ and ‘closing down’.
• Recommendations from the GIRI Design Guide.
• Practical steps for each stage.
• What the process looks like with ‘opening up’ and ‘closing down’.
• Questions to help you reflect on how the topic applies to you and your role and help you identify the most important actions you can take.

Access the e-learning.