From the BIM-pit: Getting it Right!

Presenting ideas effectively is a valued skill, one which affects the success of every business interaction.  Whether you are presenting design ideas to clients or policy to staff, you are best able to move them to make a decision, to take action, or to remember key information if you remember to: focus their attention, use their time productively, and present remarks concisely.

Design meetings require particular attention to precision in communication because of the need for time efficiency and the focus for decision-making.  Design presentations using BIM require an intentional approach, customized specifically for the blend of media and materials and person-power in the room.

In the BIM-pit, there is a particular meeting structure that works efficiently, fosters solid understanding, and reduces frustration for all parties.  BIM tends to put the focus of meetings on the technology – with the “wow” factor taking center stage.  Eclipsed by “techy” vocabulary and the images on the screen, the ability to make decisions is getting clouded. 

Think of the BIM meeting in module format:

1.    Establish a common vocabulary. The world of BIM has its own lingo, and it is not quite standardized.  Phrases and descriptors are invented to explain what the technology makes possible. Clients are likely not up-to-speed with this terminology, so don’t assume they will be able to understand what you or your BIM tech are talking about.  Best to prepare and distribute your firm’s own glossary so you can build a common vocabulary. 

2.    Confirm understanding.  At the outset of the design meeting using BIM, make sure each decision-maker can paraphrase the issue and the project’s progress to date. This is best done in seemingly casual conversation without the use of any technology.  

3.    Explore options first in conversation, then introduce the model.

Take the time to create rapport, chemistry and understanding by discussing ideas, design approaches, issues with conversation and perhaps boards or hand outs.

4.   Introduce the model before you show it.  Explain in simple, direct language what the animation will be demonstrating.  Explain in advance what people in the room will see and what elements to look for.

5.  View in silence. Play the animation after the explanation.
It's helpful not to talk over the animation so
viewers can concentrate best without being
distracted by ongoing narration. If you need to explain more, stop the animation. 

 

6.     Make the decision face-to-face. When it comes to making the decision as to how to proceed, turn off the animation, turn on the lights, and have a fact-to-face conversation, complete with eye contact and paper-&-pencil note-taking.  

A meeting in which the BIM image dominates the room and steals attention must not take precedence over valuable interchanges among meeting participants. Because the model is only a technology tool, using BIM
requires that you foster a meeting process that encourages effective information exchange.