Improving design quality through briefing automation

Briefing and the strategic support of decision-making through the life of a building project is an important factor for successful project outcomes. The automation of design briefs might allow enhanced linking of client/user requirements to design, construction, operation and post-occupancy review. It has the potential for improved collection of requirements, project integration, as well as feedback and feedforward for clients and designers. Current US research on briefing practices is reviewed in relation to improving design quality by using design performance measures. A Web-based tool under development is described. This tool is one example of how automation of the briefing process can assist design firms to analyse and assess a client's needs, shorten the product delivery cycle and provide an end product with greater customer satisfaction.