Design methods and processes

Question 1

Iterative design

Answer 1

a repetitive design process which constantly evaluates a design cycling through four stages: research, ideate (ideas generation), Prototyping and, testing

Question 2

User Centred Design (UCD)

Answer 2

Design which focuses on the users experience of the product and how it can be improved

Question 3

What are the International Usability Standard (ISO 13407) suggestions for UCD

Answer 3

A designer should:
– Take full account of users, the task being performed and where it is happening
– Involve users in design and development
–refine designs with user centred evaluation
– consider the whole user experience
– combine designers and specialists with different backgrounds and skills to work on a product

Question 4

Methods of achieving UCD

Answer 4

use ergonomics to improve ease and comfort
use anthropometric data
observe people using the product and find problems with focus groups

Question 5

Physical needs

Answer 5

the abilities of a potential user and how they are needed in the product. e.g. strength, mobility ect

Question 6

Emotional needs

Answer 6

the likes and dislikes of the end user based on there preferences for both the product and how it is manufactured

Question 7

Intellectual needs

Answer 7

the needs of the end user in terms of a need for learning or stimulation e.g. a child’s toy is brightly coloured to match their needs

Question 8

Sociological needs

Answer 8

the needs of the end user in terms of the effect on society and ethical considerations. e.g. is the product sustainable or not

Question 9

Primary market research

Answer 9

market research done first hand by the designer. it is more specific and accurate than secondary but more expensive and time consuming

Question 10

Methods of primary market research

Answer 10

interviewing potential users
Focus groups
Product analysis (breaking down an existing product for its good and bad features)
Anthropometric data for bespoke users
Ergonomic information from observing users interacting with a product
Human factors/ immersion (designer experiences the users limitations such as lack of mobility)

Question 11

Secondary market research

Answer 11

researching data already collected by others
it is fast, cheap and gives a wide general view but is unspecific and often inaccurate

Question 12

Methods of secondary market research

Answer 12

Online or book research of:
design influences and styles
identification of materials, components and manufacturing methods
finding relevant anthropometric and ergonomic data to match the target user

Question 13

The 8 stages of developing a design

Answer 13

1. sketch and model potential solutions
2. add critical evaluative comments from specification
3. the user selects a single design for development
4. develop the aesthetics
5. test and trial all aspects of the design and improve
6. makes scale models and have the client evaluate
7. make functional models of working components
8. create dimensioned working drawings

Question 14

The 4 stages of prototyping

Answer 14

1. create a step by step manufacturing plan
2. create the design based on the plan
3. Test and evaluate the prototype with the client
4. make iterative improvements on the design