VISUAL CONTRACT DESIGN.
VCD is a V-LEX methodology for using visual methods to design contracts – especially those involving complex technology enabled change.
V-LEX has recognised that lawyers are often disinterested in the user experience of working with contracts, leading to production of over-engineered and poorly designed contracts. If we applied the current approach to writing contracts to designing and building bridges, machines or systems, they would fall down or break.
VCD is based on simple principles. Contracts need to be:
CLEAR
COMPLETE
EASY TO NAVIGATE
NO LONGER THAN NECESSARY
Above all, contracts must meet the needs of their users. Users want successful projects and services; they need certainty around price, scope, solution and plan; they need to be able to manage the contracts.
VCD uses visual methods (flip charts, diagrams, white boards, use cases, story boards, post it notes, brown paper, slide decks, etc.) to engage users, capture information, model rules, and design contracts. VCD also draws inspiration from agile development and lean thinking to achieve results.
V-LEX has applied VCD to dozens of projects in the last decade.
The Agilisys contract with the States of Guernsey is one example:
In 2020, Agilisys signed a 10 year £200 million contract with the States of Guernsey for the Future Digital Services programme – an initiative to modernise IT systems and improve the delivery of public services through the adoption of digital technology, providing better access to services for islanders and greater operational efficiency for the States. Over the course of 12 months, V-LEX helped to shape and make the contract with the States and a key sub-contractor (JT). VCD was used extensively to develop the pricing structure for the deal, and to create many of the key contract schedules.
