Introduction to Design Methods

Question 1

What is design?

Answer 1

“An activity, the principal goal of which is to give shape to an artefact.”

Question 2

Key factors in successful product development?

Answer 2

Understanding customer needs

Effective management of innovation & creativity

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Effective project management

Communication

Question 3

What is concurrent engineering?

Answer 3

Concurrent Engineering is a systematic approach to the integrated concurrent design of products and related processes, including manufacture and support. This approach is intended to cause
developers, from the outset, to consider all elements of the product life cycle through to disposal, including quality, cost, schedule and
user requirements

Question 4

Concurrent Engineering benefits?

Answer 4

• Reduced lead time to market.
• Improved quality and increased customer satisfaction.
• Fewer modifications and reduced manufacturing costs.
• Competitive pricing.
• Flexible response to markets.
• Team orientation and increased workforce satisfaction.
• Closer co-operation with sub-contractors.

Question 5

Name 3 Design Methods.

Answer 5

1. Quality Function Deployment.
2. Design for Manufacturing and Assembly Methods.
3. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis