The art of the interface: bridging gaps for successful projects

Watch: A short video on "The Art of the Interface"

At Aryium, there is a crucial concept known as “The Art of the Interface" – coined by Aryium CEO and Co-Director Sarah Borg-Bonnici. This term plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of any project, particularly those that are highly complex and multidisciplinary. The art of the interface refers to the skilful management of the points where different systems, disciplines, and stakeholders intersect. These interfaces are where projects can either come together seamlessly or fall apart disastrously.

Understanding the interface

The interface, in its simplest form, is where two different elements meet and interact. In construction, this could be where a concrete wall meets a steel frame or where electrical systems integrate with plumbing. However, the concept extends beyond physical intersections to include interactions between different teams, systems, and stakeholders.

Sarah, who is also an experienced Architect explains elaborates: “When I was young, beginning my career in architecture, I was thrust into the deep end by a supervising architect. He emphasised the importance of interfaces in construction, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career. In Malta, where traditional construction methods like block work and concrete are prevalent, the quality of the interface—where different construction elements meet—often determined the overall quality of the project”.

The Importance of interfaces in modern projects

Today’s projects are far more complex, involving advanced building management systems, facility management systems, and environmental management systems. Each of these systems must interact smoothly for the building to function as intended. This complexity is mirrored in the interdisciplinary nature of modern project teams, where architects, engineers, contractors, and clients must all work together harmoniously.

The success of a project hinges on effective communication and understanding at these interfaces. Each discipline has its own priorities and perspectives, which can sometimes lead to conflicts or misunderstandings. The art of the interface involves ensuring that all parties are aligned and working towards the same goal, despite their different viewpoints.

Sarah emphasises this point: “It is all about how you deal with an interface. And one of the things I think that has been really key for me because we all start out knowing everything and then we grow up and we realize we don’t... We all want the same thing. We all want those 300 doses going out on the day. But we’re all looking at it in different ways and understanding people’s drivers and pulling those interfaces together.”

Interdisciplinary design and communication

In her master’s program, which focused on interdisciplinary design, Sarah learned that successful projects require more than technical proficiency. They require the ability to communicate and collaborate across disciplines. This involves not only speaking the language of other team members but also understanding their drivers and constraints.

For example, a client might be focused on the need to produce 300 doses of a drug per minute to meet a business objective. Meanwhile, an architect might be concerned with the safety and regulatory compliance of the production facility. Both perspectives are valid, and the key to project success lies in finding a balance that satisfies all parties. This is the essence of the art of the interface—managing the points of contact between different priorities and ensuring a coherent, unified approach.

Structured processes and flexibility

At Aryium, defining the problem is the first step in any project. This involves a detailed understanding of the client’s needs, the technical challenges, and the broader context in which the project operates. Once the problem is clearly defined, a structured process can guide the project through its various phases. However, it’s important to remain flexible, as projects rarely go exactly as planned.

A clear, structured approach helps manage expectations and provides a framework within which the project can adapt to changes. Change is a natural part of any project, and managing it effectively is crucial. Recording and understanding changes, rather than viewing them as setbacks, allows the project to move forward in a controlled and informed manner.

Sarah explains, “What we intend to do... it’s a very linear input-output schedule. Now, in no planet does it ever go like that. I’m not pretending that it’s ever perfect, but what it does do is it provides that framework and we can then adjust on the fly because we need to take off. All of those things will be aware. We haven’t ticked all of those things before we reach the end of the stage.”


Ethical considerations and resource management

Ethics play a significant role in the art of the interface. Projects often involve limited resources and high stakes, particularly in fields like medical research and production. It’s essential to ensure that these resources are used efficiently and ethically. Revisiting the same issues repeatedly can waste valuable time and effort, which could be better spent advancing the project.

Working in an industry that sits at the cutting edge of science and technology, we often face ethical dilemmas. Balancing the potential benefits of a project against its environmental and social impacts is a constant challenge. The art of the interface involves navigating these ethical considerations while striving to make a positive impact through our work.

Conclusion

The art of the interface is about more than just technical proficiency. It’s about communication, collaboration, and ethical consideration. By understanding and managing the points of contact between different systems, disciplines, and stakeholders, we can ensure the success of complex projects. Whether it's constructing a building or developing a new drug production facility, the principles of the art of the interface remain the same—bringing together diverse elements to create a cohesive, functioning whole.

As Sarah Borg Bonnici succinctly puts it, “We all want the same thing. We all want those 300 doses going out on the day. But we’re all looking at it in different ways and understanding people’s drivers and pulling those interfaces together and then taking that into the wider context of the built environment, how we actually make things happen. That is something I think that's really important.”

Navigating interfaces in project management is more than just a technical task—it’s an art. Aryium’s expertise lies in understanding, optimising, and seamlessly coordinating these critical connections. As you embark on complex projects, remember that effective interfaces are the backbone of success.

Set up a chat with us today, free of charge, to discover how Aryium can help with your next complex project.

Previous
Previous

In conversation with Aryium’s CEO, Sarah about Aryium’s Design Guardian service…

Next
Next

Navigating interfaces in complex projects: ‘the art of the interface’