Groups may then select a new leader, receive new discussion topics and newsprint, and repeat the procedure. At the end of the session, some or all of the group leaders may report top priorities to the entire group. Or, group leaders may meet together after the session to synthesize and prioritize. The time needed varies widely, from an hour to eight days, depending on the topic. A strength of the charrette process is it fosters a sense of commitment and cohesiveness, and positive feelings of involvement.
Ideas lose their original identity and become group property.
Problems may be broken into small parts, with each small group considering a unique aspect. The flexible time and cost are pluses. Limitations include the need for a manager skilled with large groups and the possibility of wasting time and effort if goals aren't clear. In unskilled hands, a whole roomful of people can end up in chaos. With a skilled person, however, hundreds of people can be actively involved in solving a problem.