A new product was about to be launched and the industrialist CEO asked, “Is it idiot proof?” I was young and not sure what he meant. It was explained to me that he wanted to know if anyone could put it in without messing it up. I soon learned top executives want products and systems simple enough that the untrained or unqualified worker can install it and alleviate risk. While I understand the concept, it seemed impractical, particularly for skilled crafts. I remember thinking to myself, nothing is idiot proof and only someone daft would think to ask this. Of course, I only used my inside voice. I was new, young and not that brave.
The ultimate irony to me is that after four decades in the industry, everything has gone the exact opposite direction. Products and systems are even more complicated today. Proof lies in the increase in time delays, cost over-runs, trade stacking, site logistic problems, repeated call-backs and more litigation. Most agree that the entire construction design and delivery process, despite repeated promises of greater simplicity and risk avoidance, has not happened.