Chapter 5 - Design methods and the design process Flashcards
What is constructive discontent? and name an example
Is when a design proves to be unsatisfactory, where inventors set out about designing a solution with improved properties. Such as when James Dyson redesigned the wheelbarrow, he found out that the standard wheelbarrow dug into soft ground due to the thin tyre. He designed a barrow with a ball instead which will glide over bumps and move over soft ground.
What are the three ways in which designign tends to start?
Constructive discontent, to make money or wanting to help others.
What are the 13 steps of the design process?
Identification of the problem, the brief, the specification, the analysis, research, market research, surveys, user-centered research techniques, observation of people in their own environment, observation of people in a usability laboratory, bodystorming, other forms of research, generation of ideas.
What is bodystorming?
It is a form of role-play in which the designer act out the process of using a particular product. This might involve using a full scale mockups or a prototype
What does the brief do?
It’s a document which sets out what is to be designed. This will guide the designer and help them formulate a specification.
What are user-centred research techniques?
It a method of research which helps to identify the need for a new product and specific features that consumers want in a product. An especially helpful way of doing this is by letting the users interact with the product, this is done in a lab or in a natural environment.
What are 4 other types of research?
Analysing similar designs, database searches, testing materials or components, field testing
What is development?
Is where a selected design is refined and modified into a finished solution which fits all needs of the client.
What is manufacture?
It is not someone who designs the product, but someone who usually communicates with the designer to ensure the design is fully understood. They will make the product to the correct specification. Offend different elements of the design are made by different people who specialise in certain manufacture.
What is global manufacturing and how is it made possible?
Global manufacturing is where a company is able to have the product made in a different country from where it is designed. This might be because the equipment needed to make the product is only available in that area or it could be to do with cost. ICT is meaning this is possible, designs can be emailed and video calls can be made to check on production.
What is a prototype and why is it needed?
A prototype is a high-quality model or functioning product that is produced to realise a design solution. They are also produced to prevent manufacturing faults this is especially important where expensive models are being used. The design must be perfect.
How are ideas formed?
Through a number of methods including, chance, the act of insight, associative thinking, adaption, transfer, analogy and combination.
What is associative thinking?
Where a conclusion is drawn by bringing together apparently two unconnected ideas.
What is transfer in terms of ideas?
Transfer is where technology, material or process is transferred from one application to another. E.g. laser being used for reading CD’s
What is analogy?
Analogy is where designers used similar situations, either in the natural or man world to inspire ideas.
