2.2 Describing and prescribing a design process

Question 1

Describe the design process in terms of two sets of three simple stages.

Answer 1

A simple (3-stage) description of the design process proceeds as:

1. Generation of alternatives
2. Evaluation of alternatives
3. Communication of the selected design

Three phases of the design process proceed as:

1. Conceptual Design
2. Preliminary Design
3. Detailed Design

Question 2

Map out the design process.

Answer 2

Question 4

Describe Conceptual Design.

Answer 4

Conceptual design: seeking concepts or schemes that might be applicable to realizing the client’s objectives. A concept is an outline solution to the problem.

Question 5

Describe Preliminary Design.

Answer 5

Preliminary design: proposed concepts are “fleshed out”:

• The most important attributes of the design identified.
• Key aspects are sized and selected.
• Some performance specifications are clearly tied to the design.

1. Model and analyze chosen design
2. Test and evaluate chosen design

Question 6

Describe Detailed Design.

Answer 6

Detailed design: Refinement of the preliminary design, including selection of all parts and dimensions.

1. Refine and optimize chosen design.
2. Assign and specify design details.

The result is usually a set of documents and drawing such that another person or company can complete the design without further contact with the designer (enables replication).

Question 7

Map out the three phases of the design process.

Answer 7

Question 8

Organize the activities of the design process into the phases of the design process.

Answer 8

Question 9

Outline the steps (1-4) involved in defining the problem.

Answer 9

Problem Definition (or Framing) proceeds as follows:

1. Clarify objectives.
2. Establish metrics for objectives.
3. Identify constraints.
4. Revise client’s problem statement.

Question 10

Outline the steps (5-10) involved in conceptual design.

Answer 10

Conceptual design proceeds as follows:

Step 5: Establish functions.

Step 6: Establish requirements (function specifications).

Step 7: Establish means for functions.

Step 8: Generate design alternatives.

Step 9: Refine and apply metrics to design alternatives.

Step 10: Choose a design.

Question 11

Outline the steps (11-12) involved in preliminary design.

Answer 11

Preliminary design proceeds as follows:

Step 11: Model and analyze chosen design.

Step 12: Test and evaluate chosen design.

Question 12

Outline the steps (13-14) involved in detailed design.

Answer 12

Detailed design proceeds as follows:

Step 13: Refine and optimize chosen design.

Step 14: Assign and fix design details.

Question 13

What critical step (step 15) is involved in design communication?

Answer 13

Step 15: Documentation of final design is the backbone of design communication.

Question 14

What processes are involved in documentation for the final design?

Answer 14

• Report
• Drawings
• Fabrication Specifications

Question 15

Map out the feedback and iteration involved in the design process.

Answer 15