To Screw In a Light Bulb

Q: How many museum-making people does it take to screw in a light bulb? 

A: Check the responsibility matrix.

A responsibility matrix — a chart of which team will do what — is a must for any complex project. Especially when it’s both new construction and a new exhibition.

We’re on the Museum of Forks project. Big project, star architect, looks like a big fork. Big exhibition project at the same time. All those immersive silverware experiences need lighting.

Who’s responsible?

Let’s consider just track lighting. The following questions might all have different answers:

Who designs the electrical?
Who designs the lighting?
Who builds the electrical?
Who runs conduits?
Who runs wires through the conduits?
Who installs track?
Who provides fixtures?
Accessories?
Bulbs?
Who screws them in?

It takes a village. But which villagers are doing what? How do we make sure nothing gets repeated or skipped?

Here’s the thing:
For any complex project, create a matrix of responsibility that sets out who does what.

Otherwise, a step might not happen. Which means it all won’t happen.

Then nobody will screw in the light bulb.

Warmly,
Jonathan