1.22 The Requirements for Product Design and Development

Question 1

Define product design specification

Answer 1

Set of key requirements that the design will be judged against

Includes:

• Aesthetics
• Cost
• Customer
• Environment
• Safety
• Size
• Function
• Materials

Question 2

Accuracy of Production

Answer 2

• Suitability for accurate, repeatable production is a key feature of successful design concepts
• This can be facilitated by the use of simple geometric forms to reduce complex machining
• Accurate, fully dimensioned drawing ensure the effective combination of components
• Dimensional accuracy of design development must match production facilities available
• Project CAD files have greater accuracy than manufacturing process can usually achieve

Question 3

Critical assessment for new design development

Answer 3

• Design constantly evolves die to our ability to implement new technology and materials
• Current designs are therefore temporary and seen as flawed when new possibilities become practicable
• Designers try to improve on what came before and learn from mistakes
• Critical assessments of current products benefits from consumer experience to inform the development of further products

Question 4

Critical analysis

Answer 4

These are important factors relating to the critical analysis of products:

• Direct interaction with the product is essential its effectiveness
• Carry out a detailed task analysis, directly assessing the product’s capability at each stage
• Break down the tasks into individual stages for a more thorough analysis of the product
• Ergonomics needs to be analysed by carefully considering user interaction with the product
• Aesthetic analysis must be objected, factual and avoid generalisations like ‘it look good’
• The use of geometric or natural forms and the influence of designers and design movements should be acknowledge
• Consider materials. the suitability of their properties and reasons for compromises
• Study the link between materials, methods of manufacture and the scale of production
• Assess the suitability of methods used to make and assemble all the product components
• Consider the products’ environment impact at all stages of its exitance

Question 5

User-centered design (UCD)

Answer 5

Design for product users’ actual needs, not the designer’s perception of them; consumer’s needs are prioritised at all stages of the process

Question 6

How to work with a variety of materials

Answer 6

Concept modelling
- Models can help to make decisions or prove/disprove predications
Initial concept generation
- Initial 2D or 3D sketch modelling facilities early client feedback,
mainly on aesthetics
Block modelling (visual appearance models and working prototypes)
- These facilitate testing of aspects such as mechanisms and the
intended form of product
Visual appearance models
- These demonstrate the aesthetics form of the design concept
Working prototypes
- Intended for testing mechanisms and technical principles
Rapid prototyping
- Block models can be 3D ‘printed’ from CAD model files thanks to
this technological development
Additional points
- Time constraints and access to potentially expensive software and
rapid prototyping facilities can govern the choice of modelling to be
used
- Virtual modeling, such as FEA and CFD, facilities tooling
simulations and prediction of production problems, to make savings
in the longer term

Question 7

How to consider, aesthetics when designing products

Answer 7

Aesthetics
- Refers to the visual appeal of product, such as shape/form, size,
proportion, colour and texture
Symmetry and asymmetry
- Symmetry gives visual balance, whereas asymmetry can add interest
and focus to design
Proportion
- Overall, proportion of an object but key features, controls or
elements within a design can be proportionally laid out
Anthropomorphism
- The use of recognisable human characteristics within the design
- Provides emotional, often humorous connection to products,
sometimes unintentionally
Colour and Texture
- An important element in the aesthetics appeal of product designs
Symbols and ideograms
- Instructive symbols independent of language knowledge
- Diversity of populations make their use increasingly important
- Intuitive use of products is helped by colour association such as
red = stop, danger, heat, warning

Question 8

How to consider, ergonomics when designing products

Answer 8

Interaction with products through all senses needs to be considered to avoid discomfort and stress

Factors to consider:

• The anthropometric data range of potential users
• The full range of abilities of possible users concerning all senses
• The movements and forces required when using the product
• The shape and form of parts touched by users
• The selection of materials
• The selection of suitable colour schemes
• The use of appropriate symbols

Question 9

How to consider, anthropometrics when designing products

Answer 9

Anthropometrics is the measurements of the human body (such as height, hand size and grip strength) in the context of product design.

It helps designers to take into consideration the wide range of sizes and abilities that exists

Question 10

Inclusive design

Answer 10

Aims to meet the needs of the widest possible range of people who might interact with the production in question. This includes groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities and children