design briefs and specifications Flashcards
What are open design briefs?
An open brief could be defined as a brief which sets out what has to be done in fairly general terms. Many things are left open to interpretation and a wide range of possible solutions may be accessible.
What are the advantages of open design briefs?
provide more opportunity for creative freedom, more scope for innovation and more diverse products
What are the disadvantages of open design briefs?
disadvantage that much time and money can still be wasted producing a solution that may be unacceptable to the client. The brief may be too vague and not provide enough information and lead the designer to design a product which is unsuitable
What is a closed design brief?
much more specific and will direct the designer towards what the client wants
What are the advantages of a closed design brief?
client has greater control and it is more likely they get the outcome they envisioned
What are the disadvantages of a closed design brief?
may restrict the designer from producing creative and innovative solutions
What is a product design specification?
A Product Design Specification (PDS) describes the requirements of the solution. It’s aim is to ensure that the design and development of the product meets the needs of the user
What is a product design specification used for?
It is produced before designing begins and would be used to: • Define specific parameters • Provides direction to the design process • Used to evaluate changes in decisions. For example: • Number to be produced • Target market • Cost • Impact on environment • Dimensions • Information relating to design factors • Environment it will be used in
What is a performance specification?
A performance specification is a document that specifies the operational requirements of a component or installation (e.g. Deals with desired outputs of a product of what function it must fulfil, ease of use from people, how well the product performs).
What is a performance specification used for?
The details of a Performance Specification often vary according to the brief and research but often contain details of the following:
• How it should work
• How much it should cost to manufacture
• Possible production levels
• What materials it should be made from
• What energy source should be used if it needs to
be powered
• Ergonomic requirements related to end user
• Legal requirements to be met in its development
and use
• Environmental considerations and requirements.
What is a technical specification?
A technical specification (tech spec) is a document that explains what a product or project will do and how you’ll achieve these goals. Deals with more physical properties of the product
What is a technical specification used for?
The purpose of a technical specification is to: • Provide specific technical detail required to manufacture a product • Produced after the product is designed and tested to provide specific technical information. The details of a technical specification vary according to the product but often contain details of the following • Materials • Processes to be used • Assembly methods • Production costs • Dimensions • weight • Maintenance cycles • Performance • Power supply
