ABSTRACT
The discussion on materials in the previous two chapters has examined
the requirements and the process of decisionmaking. This chapter aims
to consider the criteria that decisions are based on. Earlier, we estab-
lished that designers should be held accountable for their decisions, but
what was not discussed was how designers can work effectively in an
atmosphere of liability and potential blame. There are safeguards that
do not aim specifically to protect individual designers and design teams
from the consequences of poor decisions but to guide and aid the
decision making process. Although safeguards do not in themselves
provide decision making criteria, the forms in which they are found
can contribute significantly to the process.