Positives –

I like the project and I am delighted to be in a well-balanced and proactive team.

The concept of the Design Studio seems to be well thought through, rather exhaustive in structure.  The emulation of an artistic design studio is a good idea allowing peer review and input to achieve the best outcome without sacrificing individuality.  The process design seems to allow all team members to contribute their experience.

Concerns

Is the process exhaustive or exhausting? There is not much room for instinct, flair and unconstrained brainstorming. Not technology-led but certainly rigidly process-led.  Having part of the assessment on team process is good but it deters regarding the rules as guidance rather than decrees.

As in Block 1, the required sequential team actions do not really accommodate the reality of different availabilities during the week and weekend, though we are coping.

Verdict

Positive so far.  I will interested to see if the rigour of the process produces the perceived best result. A bit like Communism – good in theory but not noted for great outcomes?