What is essential to include in an executive summary submitted to the client?

An overview of the programming process including participant surveys is essential in an executive summary submitted to the client because it provides a clear and concise understanding of how the proposed technology solution aligns with the client's needs and expectations. This aspect highlights the importance of user input and how feedback from participants can shape the design and implementation of the system, ensuring it meets the end-users' requirements effectively.

Incorporating this overview helps establish the relevancy of the project, demonstrating that the design process is not just technologically driven but also rooted in the actual experiences and preferences of those who will be using the system. It contextualizes the project within the framework of user experience, which is often critical for client satisfaction and project success.

While technical specifications and references to emerging technologies may be valuable, they can overwhelm the client with details that are not immediately necessary for decision-making at the executive level. Potential change orders are also important but typically follow a more concrete understanding of project scope and requirements after initial planning stages, rather than being fundamental to the summary itself.