2.1 Design Methods and Processes Flashcards
What is the iterative design process?
It is a circular set of steps that a designer will go through to solve a problem. The designer or team of designers and engineers may not go through the process one stage at a time, but may go backwards and forwards between steps. At any point in the design process, they may carry out evaluations to analyse research or evaluate ideas and models.
What does UCD stand for?
user-centred design
What is user-centred design?
An approach to design that ensures your product will be easy to use. In a competitive, global market made of discerning consumers, the user experience is very important. If designers can say that what they are developing conforms to international standards, they are likely to obtain more support from investors or entrepreneurs.
What are the 6 principles of ISO 9241-210:2010 ?
1 the design takes full account of users, the task they perform with the product and the environment in which it is used.
2 Users are involved throughout the design and development process.
3 The design is refined by user-centred evaluation.
4 The design process is iterative.
5 The design considers the whole user experience.
6 The design is developed my a multi-skilled, multi-disciplinary team.
What needs to be considered when using UCD methods when developing products?
Ergonomics are a key consideration because products should be both easy and comfortable to use. In order to achieve this, designers use anthropometric data (body sizes) to ensure a product ‘fits’ their intended user.
How do designers adapt designs to meet needs, wants and values? (4)
1 Conducting research enables designers to identify consumers’ physical needs.
2 Identifying the emotional needs of consumers can make a significant difference to the success or failure of a product.
3 Research can identify the intellectual needs of consumers. Products have to be matched with the intellectual level of the user.
4 Values and sociological needs need to be taken into account when developing products. For example, eco-conscious consumers want to live a sustainable lifestyle and therefore demand products that are not damaging to the environment.
What is the investigative method of immersion?
It involves designers putting themselves into the environment or situation that the customer or user is in. This type of immersive investigation enables designers to gain a real understanding of the problems users have with products.
What are 6 examples of primary investigation techniques?
1 interviewing potential users
2 focus groups
3 market research
4 analysing, disassembling and evaluating existing products
5 practical testing of materials, components and construction methods and finishes
6 humans factors such as ergonomic issues can be considered by observing potential customers using a product
How is interviewing potential users useful when developing new products?
this investigates their needs or wants with regard to new products
How are focus groups useful when developing new products?
There are panels of potential customers who represent the target market. They are used to obtain qualitative data such as opinions about existing products, or to obtain feedback on prototypes.
How is market research useful when developing new products?
This is usually carried using questionnaires and surveys. Quantitative data can be obtained which can influence design thinking. It can identify the needs of consumers. and explain why consumers choose one product over another. Information such as this can help designers to make more informed decisions about how they will develop products.
How is analysing, disassembling and evaluating existing products useful when developing new products?
This identifies useful materials, components, mechanisms, structures and other useful features that can be adapted in a new product.
How is practical testing of components, materials, construction methods and finishes useful when developing new products?
This identifies what might be used in creating a new product, and how well the product works/lasts (and appears) in usage.
How are humans factors such as ergonomics being considered by observing potential customers using a product be useful when developing new products?
This can identify whether the consumer has difficulties in using a product and potential improvements can be considered. Watching customers use a product and discussing its usability with them can identify whether there are any issues in terms of comfort.
What can the internet or books research as part of secondary investigation?
1 explore historical and contemporary designers or design movements to identify styling influences, which might be used in new products
2 Identify suitable materials, components and construction methods
3 Obtain anthropometric data that is relevant to the age group of the target market
