Design Processes

Question 1

Design brief

Answer 1

Design brief would outline the needs/wants of specific user or target market

Contains:

Description of problem or need

Inadequacies or unsuitability of existing products

Client or user group information

Basic descriptions and key functions of the product

Question 2

Primary research - existing products

Answer 2

Analysis of strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in existing products:

Testing, assembly and disassembly

Obtain objective views through focus groups or questionnaires

Assess ergonomic features, aesthetics and cost

Question 3

Primary research - materials

Answer 3

Designers require technical information on materials from specialist researchers

Toughness and tensile strength

construction and finishes

Question 4

SCAMPER technique

Answer 4

Technique for rethinking existing designs

Substitute - try alternative elements of designs such as materials

Combine - mix ideas or elements

Adapt - use other products for inspiration

Modify - change the shape, look, feel, size

Put to another use - seek alternative functions

Eliminate - simplify the design by removing unnecessary elements

Reverse - reorganise in a radical way

Question 5

Design specification - FUMES SQWEACS

Answer 5

Carried out after investigation and analysis of research

List of essential requirements as well as desirable features

Commercial specifications are mainly determined by the client

Elements to be considered:

Function 
User 
Maintenance 
Environment
Sustainability 

Size 
Quality 
Weight 
Ergonomics 
Aesthetics 
Cost 
Safety

Question 6

Collaborative team designing

Answer 6

Maximises the use of specialist expertise to improve creativity

Often results in better products than those created by a single designer

Creative discussion in meetings or via video conferencing

Question 7

Evaluation and testing

Answer 7

Integral, on going part on the design process

Must occur at each stage of the design process

Evaluation of product or prototype:

Detailed comparison of the product against the specification

Testing of the function, ergonomics, aesthetics etc

Third-party, objective feedback from potential users of the product

Expert opinion from specialists

Suggestions for further improvements based on evaluation findings

Question 8

Planning methods

Answer 8

Spreadsheet timeline

Graphical methods such as Critical path analysis (CPA)

Flow charts

Consideration of concurrent stages such as making sub-assemblies prior to final assembly