Development/Project Briefs Flashcards
What is a development brief?
A development brief is created to stimulate interest in development sites. They are prepared prior to a planning application being submitted. They include site analysis, development principles, etc.
In my area of work, Innovate UK may put out a development brief to apply for an R&D grant which will then be looked through as an opportunity. They provide a framework for an application.
What is a project brief?
In real estate, a project brief will come around RIBA stage 3 I believe and will enable design to begin. A project brief includes objectives, timelines, audiences, stakeholders, risk assessments, milestones, etc.
In my role, a project brief will include objectives, timelines, audiences, stakeholders, risk assessments, milestones, for an R&D project. It may also include a Gantt chart.
What is the difference between a development brief and a project brief?
Typically talking, a development brief is formatted at RIBA stages 0-2 whereas a project brief is developed at RIBA stage 3 and might be used to inform project team including consultants.
However, for me, a development brief might arise for opportunities to apply for R&D funding whereas a project brief is used to track and monitor R&D projects.
Why is it important to have a clear project brief?
- Align stakeholders and their expectations
- Clears up misunderstandings
- Provides clear boundaries
- Risk management
What makes an effective project brief?
- Overview
- Objectives
- Scope
- Target audience
- Constraints
- Risk management
- Stakeholders
- Budget
- Timeline
- KPIs
- Communication strategy
How does a brief stay relevant throughout a project?
Take regular reviews of the brief and if relevant and all parties are included, organise for updates. This is like the exploitation plan for an Innovate UK project.
What is the best way to display a project brief?
This depends on the project. In a clear, concise word document which graphics for timeline, etc to help visualise the programme.
How can you put a project brief in an accessible location for all?
On a cloud-based system like Teams
How did you write a brief for the ICCE project? What did this include?
Firstly, I looked at what was submitted in the grant application as this has a defined outcome and three work packages. This also provided dates
- Project overview – taken from grant submission
- List the objectives – how we would get to the proof of concept
- Detail the scope – background on EdTech industry
- Identify target audience – higher education students, academics
- Address constraints – 6 months
- Highlight stakeholders – CE, NTU & MSG
- Outline the spend profile/budget - £55,000 allocated
- Timeline – Organise workshop dates
- Risks – Time, resource, changing proof of concept
- Comms strategy – collaboration with NTU, MSC and Ayming
How did you present the ICCE workshop objectives?
These were presented in a PDF with a clear, concise report format. They were aligned to a graphic timeline
I introduced the project and deliverables. I then went through each workshop and the anticipated outcome in relation to the overall project
How do you engage stakeholders in a project brief?
The brief was accessible to all. It was also discussed in meetings to allow stakeholders to clarify any points
What legal issues may arise in briefs?
Not fulfilling the grant submission – would not get the funding in the end
What key milestones may be found in a project brief?
- Kick off meeting
- Brief shared with all stakeholders
- WP1, 2 and 3
- Q1 review with MO
- Proof of concept development
- Final review with MO
