4 - Design Thinking and Communication

Question 1

Describe what is meant by a circular economy

Answer 1

OCR Definition: A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy (make, use, dispose) in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. It aims to keep products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.

Question 2

Describe Systems thinking

Answer 2

A holistic aproach to analysis (or design thinking) that focuses on the effects of interaction and connections between elements in a system, rather than just analysing component parts - looks at the big picture.

Focuses on the way that a system’s constituent parts interrelate and how (sub) systems work over time and within the context of larger systems.

Question 3

Describe user-centred design

Answer 3

An approach to designing that prioritises the needs, wants and limitations of users at every stage of the design process. This will probably involve a participatory design process, in which all stakeholders and users are regually engaged.

Should product products compliant with the international usability standard (ISO 13407)

Question 4

Finite element analysis

Answer 4

Finite element analysis (FEA) is a computer simulation technique that predicts how a product will behave under various conditions, such as heat, vibration, or fluid flow.

Helps optimose a design