4.7 The design leader must ensure that the client fully understands the design proposals, and agrees that they meet its objectives. It is rarely satisfactory for clients to be shown conceptual drawings, still less outline plans of rooms. The design team must offer the client a vision of the project in a form which it can understand and change in time.
4.8 Models are useful, but an exciting new development is "Knowledge Based Engineering" (KBE). This system has been developed in manufacturing industry, both for aeroplanes and cars. It enables product managers and designers to see new ideas either through advanced computer aided design or "Virtual Reality". All aspects of the design, manufacture, assembly and use of the product can then be presented in one entity. Research carried out by the University of Reading and the British Airports Authority is showing that it is possible to use KBE in the design of individual construction projects. This development could have a massive effect in placing real choices before clients, and promoting better construction performance. If clients can clearly understand the likely outcome of projects at design stage, their wishes can be better met. Some industry experts believe that KBE is the technology of the 21st century, and that the software needed will be too complex and expensive for all but the most prestigious projects commissioned by the wealthiest clients. I suspect that the information technology revolution will produce speedier solutions than that, and will be client driven. Paying a higher fee to the designers for such information will be repaid many times over if it ensures a well planned project which meets the client's aspirations. The establishment of common standards for the exchange of electronic data would be highly desirable and further consideration should be given to this issue.