Design Methods and Processes Flashcards
Iterative design process
Using a cyclic sequence of stages required to refine a design
Research -> ideate -> prototype -> test _^
User-centred design
Aims to improve users’ experience of using products
There is an international usability standard, ISO 13407:
Take full account of users, the task performed and the relevant environment
Involves users during design and development
Refined by user-centred evaluation
Considers the whole user experience
Methods used to achieve UCD standards
Apply ergonomic principles for ease of use and comfort
Use anthropometric data to ensure a good fit
Observe people using products
Organise focus groups to solve problems with existing products
Gain understanding of how users interact with products
Improve the user experience
Designing to meet needs, wants or values
Consider the:
Physical needs - needs of children are very different to the elderly
Emotional needs - understanding what people like, matching their aspirations
Intellectual needs - for example small children are attracted to bright colours
Primary investigate techniques
Market research questionnaires and surveys
Interviewing potential users to investigate their wants or needs
Focus groups
Empathic research - the designer experiences users’ limitations, e.g. Lack of mobility
Anthropometric data is obtained
Ergonomic can be improved by getting customers to use the product
Product analysis - disassembly of existing products, practical testing of components
Secondary investigative techniques
Using external resources such as research journals, online and books
Could consider:
Style influences of designers and movements
Identifications of suitable materials, components and manufacturing methods
Relevant anthropometric data
Planning, manufacture and evaluation of a prototype
Creating a step-by-step, detailed plan of prototype manufacture considering:
Tools
QA
QC
Carry out hand, machine or rapid prototyping methods as required
Test and evaluate prototype with involvement of consumers
Carry out iterative improvements to optimise the design
Visual prototype
A sample or a model that shows the overall shape and size of the product, but does not usually have any working parts
Used to test the visual impact of the product form
Proof of concept prototype
Shows the key functionality and the main technical aspects of the design
It is not intended to look like the final product and wouldn’t usually be made from production-grade materials
Allows the design team to test the functions to see if they work as intended
Production prototype
A representation of how the mass-produced product would look and function
Materials used will be as close to as production-grade as possible
Used to assess any final alterations that may be required
Production prototypes are also marketed in small user trials prior to a full production run
