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Module 4 — Reviews & Decision Records

Objective: make design decisions visible and defensible.

Prereqs: Architecture and shortlisted concepts.

Steps

  • Set review criteria (weight, schedule, reliability, serviceability).
  • Review options, capture alternatives and chosen path with rationale.
  • Log risks and mitigations; assign owners/dates.
  • Confirm rule checks (frame, extension, bumpers, visibility for drivers/cameras).
  • Capture open questions for electrical/software (sensors, harnessing, controller counts).

Instructions (numbered)

  1. Define pass/fail criteria (weight, schedule, reliability, serviceability, rules).
  2. Present options with data (calcs, tests); record alternatives and rationale for the chosen path.
  3. Review rule compliance (frame, extension, bumpers, visibility).
  4. Capture risks/mitigations with owners/dates; track open questions for EE/SW.
  5. Publish decision record and actions to fix open items.

Example

  • Decision: Choose 2-roller intake over 3-roller due to lower weight and simpler routing; risk: less centering → add guide flares.

Best practices

  • Keep decisions tied to requirements and data (tests, calcs).
  • Timebox debates; log unresolved items with owners.
  • Include cross-team (EE/SW) sign-off when interfaces are impacted.

Common mistakes

  • Approving without rule check.
  • No owner/date for mitigations.
  • Losing alternatives and why they were rejected.

Checklist

  • Criteria agreed
  • Options/data reviewed
  • Rule compliance checked
  • Risks/mitigations assigned
  • Decision record published

Recommended tools

  • Decision record template, requirements list, rule checklist, task tracker for actions.

Sample log (template)

  • Date:
  • Options reviewed:
  • Decision and rationale:
  • Risks/mitigations (owner/date):
  • Actions:

Photos/diagrams

  • [Placeholder: annotated slide with chosen concept vs rejected alternatives]

Deliverables

  • Decision record with alternatives, rationale, risks, and actions.
  • Review notes shared with subteams.

Resources

  • Branding for slide polish: firstinspires.org/brand
  • Sponsorship template (for external-facing decks): firstinspires.org/resource-library/brand