Methodology of
Interior
Design
Administration
MIDA and Interior Design Links
What is MIDA
Traditionally, administrative systems follow a chronological direction. Correspondence was sent, received and filed, in accordance with the creator or receiver of that document and copied to all who needed to be kept informed.
Whilst chronological filing is generally acceptable, it is not easy to retrieve specific documents, as a letter to a Client, on a particular day or week may be one of many. Therefore, to retrieve that particular letter may take time, furthermore if any other party needs to know of that communication, a copy must be sent and stored in his file (soft or hard copy).
MIDA System is based upon the Stages; a Design project evolves on the following basis:
A design project generally has six stages which form the scope of services a Designer undertakes when he is commissioned for a project.
Each of the six stages is termed primary platforms of Design.
Each primary platform is supported by a series of secondary platforms.
In turn each secondary platform is supported by a series of tertiary platforms.
Each platform contains documentation required, to administratively fulfill the commitments of the Designer, and all other participants at each stage in the Design process.
The stages are logically chronological. However, it is the progress of the Design deliverables and their place in the development that dictates the location of each document.
Each primary platform is colour coded, as are the secondary and tertiary platforms and each document has a colour tab representing its place in the system, both electronic & hard copies.
Each document is numbered with its platform code and location and cannot be misplaced.
The whole administrative process is represented by a graphic model ensuring that all operatives are aware of the precise development of the project based upon the stage location.
Hard copy documents cannot be misfiled, as their colour and number clearly indicate their position in the system.
Each document is proactive - it is generated by the Designer and requires only that the recipient receives and acknowledges receipt.
Each document is a format and eliminates the need for a personal reply, which removes any misunderstanding of design language, and serves to reduce possible antagonism that can occur due to personal rhetoric.
As the system is based upon the work stages of the Designer, the system can be taught as a complete system, and adopted by any design based company.
All documents can be printed, e-mailed, faxed etc, and are filed only once in the relevant location. As documents are specific in content, retrieval is instant providing the retriever knows what he wants to retrieve.
As the documentation is proactive with a reply only by comment or acknowledgement, any inaction from the recipient (subject to reminders) cannot impact upon the Designer issuing the document, therefore avoiding claims of delay in response.
As the system follows the work stages and scope of works, unless the formats are returned, duly completed, works cannot progress to the next stage, avoiding abortive work and conflicting instructions.
The MIDA System is designed to communicate with all parties likely to be involved in the design process from Stage 1A to Stage 6.
The system is designed to be a computer software package, which will incorporate document capture systems, for comment, amendment etc. It follows therefore; a complete review of the project can be undertaken with all platforms by simply opening the project graphic model, providing that the user has the access code. This ensures that any designer can follow the progress and update or add to the documents produced at any platform.
The MIDA System is a method of systematically developing the documentation through the progression of the Design works serves to prompt the Designer or Operator on basically what comes next in the sequence of administration.
It is in most cases a checklist of what has to be done and when to do it.
In short, MIDA is not simply a collection of loosely related formats.
- It is a fully progressive method of communication with all parties.
- It is a route map to the end of the project.
- It is a means of control of your project.
- It is a means of ensuring that designers do not forget to advise, inform and instruct.
It is not sufficient to simply send information in any general manner. Design processes are specific and any document sent by the Designer in this regard should be taken seriously. As Designers are forced more and more to commit to very serious contractual obligations it is essential that they adopt a system that ensures they control their profession.
Meetings must be documented accurately & instructions must be conveyed clearly. In order to progress a project, information must be recorded and stored in a logical manner. What can be more logical than the Design process?
MIDA, is therefore a design and designed process.
The system of MIDA is based upon practical applications experienced in the field of design. By applying these experiences to a system with a relation to the work stages, we create a third level of relationship with the experience as a core. I suggest that experience is related to work stages, work stages are related to MIDA and MIDA is related to experience.
