Unit 2: The Design Process Flashcards
What does the design of all products/designs begin with?
An idea.
What is considered to be the first step in the design process?
Creative thinking.
How did Bill Gates and Paul Allen use innovation to improve their school computers?
They created a new operating system which they thought would work better.
Difference between building on someone’s idea and stealing it.
Building one someone’s idea means to add to it but still give them credit. Stealing it would be taking it and putting it out as your own.
Four personal characteristics of designers and engineers?
- Creative thinking
- Often resourceful
- Abstract thinkers
- Can visualize how a product will work.
What is Engineering?
Engineering uses math and science to calculate the strength of a design.
What does engineering make sure of?
Makes sure that the product is durable, easy to maintain and reliable.
Define human factoring, and give two examples. (3)
Considering how a product relates to the human body. Eg. Clothes more comfortable, and playgrounds safer.
What else does engineering do? Why?
Also determines a product’s flexibility. Must be flexible enough to meet the needs of many potential users.
Why do we choose to design items that are attractive?
Attractive items not only sell better but also the functions seem to be enhances.
Why would we check and critique a design during the design process?
Ideas are always being refined and improved, the basic design may be changed.
Name two ways designs are evaluated.
- Model created/or prototype for testing.
- Computer programs analyze for issues.
Define invention, and give an example. (2)
Turning NEW ideas into devices and systems.
Eg. Electricity or the inventor of the wheel. .
Define innovation.
Modifying preexisting products/systems to improve them.
Define Balance
A state of stability or steadiness
Define proportion
Correct sizes or quantities that work well together.
Define unity
All parts of a design working together.
Define human factors engineerings
The design of equipment to promote human safes, health and well being.
Also called ergonomics.
Name the steps of the design process in order
- The problem statement
- Criteria and constraints.
- Collect information
- Develop possible solutions
- Select one solution
- Put the solution to work
- Evaluate the solution
What is a problem statement?
A statement that clearly identifies the problem that the product will solve.
Name some criteria and constraint that are to be considered wile writing the porblem statement
- Cost of materials
- Availability
- Space
- Uses
What does the problem statement help us do?
Helps us focus our thinking
When are criteria and constraints usually identified?
When the problem is deigned, they should be included in the problem statement.
What can happen when they are not defined?
Designers can waste their time n something they cannot use.
Can the criteria and constraints change?
Yep.
Why should we explore at least TWO different solutions when trying to solve our problem?
Because some ideas may work better than others.
Eg. Less costly, easier to use, etc.
Define brainstorming.
When a group of people think of ideas together.
What do people generally do during brainstorming sessions?
One person writes down the ideas, while other people shout out ideas.
What does brainstorming ultimately do?
It gives a solution, or a bunch of solutions to a problem.
What are the most important factors to consider when selecting a solution?
Criteria and constraints.
What does troubleshooting help us do?
It helps identify the malfunction in a system.
