15.1 Forming design teams

Question 1

Why is design increasingly done in teams rather than by individuals acting alone?

Answer 1

Design teams are assembled to bring together the diverse skills, experiences, and viewpoints needed to design, manufacture, and sell new products successfully.

Question 2

What are the stages of group formation?

Answer 2

The stages of group formation are:

1. Forming
2. Storming
3. Norming
4. Performing
5. Adjourning

Question 3

Describe the forming stage of group formation.

Answer 3

Forming

• becoming oriented to the (design) task at hand
• becoming acquainted with the other members of the team
• testing group behaviors in an attempt to determine if there are common viewpoints and values
• depending upon whoever is believed to be “in charge” of the project or task
• attempting to define some initial ground rules, usually by reference to explicitly stated or externally imposed rules.

Question 4

Describe the storming stage of group formation.

Answer 4

Some characteristics of storming phase are:

• resistance to externally imposed task demands
• interpersonal conflict
• disagreement, often without apparent resolution
• a struggle for group leadership

Question 5

Describe the norming stage of group formation.

Answer 5

Some indicators of the norming phase include:

• roles in the group are clarified
• informal leadership emerges
• a consensus on group behaviors and norms develops
• a consensus on the group’s activities and purpose emerges

Question 6

Describe the performing stage of group formation.

Answer 6

Attributes of the performing phase include:

• clearly understood roles and tasks
• well-defined norms that support the overall goals of the project
• sufficient interest and energy to accomplish tasks
• the development of solutions and results

Question 7

Describe the adjourning stage of group formation.

Answer 7

The adjourning stage is reached when the group has accomplished its tasks and is preparing to disband.

Question 8

For what are teams that understand group dynamics equipped?

Answer 8

Teams that understand group dynamics are better equipped to choose good times to do team activities (e.g., the structured brainstorming).

Question 9

What is developing during the forming and storming phases of team formation?

Answer 9

In the forming and storming phases of team formation, members are likely still developing trust and confidence in each other.