1.28 Design Communication

Question 1

Design reports

Answer 1

A design report is an industrial design team’s project record for future reference

Executive summary
- Concise overview of the project, the resulting design and its effectiveness
Introduction
- Design problem context
- Details of client and possible customers
- Alternative ideas and the selection process used to choose the final
design
Conclusion
- Description of the selected design
- Details of how problems were dealt with
- Evaluation of the design against the original specification criteria
- Analysis of and modification suggestions for designs not meeting criteria
- Testing methods used

Question 2

Technical reports

Answer 2

These are used for a variety of purposes, such as:

            - Recording practical test results
            - Target practical test results
            - Target market research
            - Reviewing products relevant to design development

Important points to remember:

            - Use of clear English
            - Use of correct technical (e.g. names of specific materials)
            - Useful to include tables of data, graphs, and charts
            - Report writing is a useful element in project research or evaluation

Question 3

The use of graphs, tables and charts

Answer 3

Bar chart
- Simplest way of representing data
- Used in many different reports and in the media
- Commonly used
Pictograph
- Very easy to understand
- Quick to read
- Suitable for presentations
- Not very accurate
Histogram
- Similar to a bar chart
- Data is shown in ranges
- Useful to show the frequency distribution of data
- Particularly useful for showing results of research
Line graph
- Can show data changes over time
- Easy to understand
- Accurate due to the use of scales
Pie chart
- Shows data distribution
- Size of segments is relative to the proportion of data
- Very easy to read and understand
Data tables
- Important to enable you to:
• interpret data
• identify patterns or incorrect data
• add missing data
- Typical project use:
• anthropometric data
• cutting lists
• costings

Question 4

First angle orthographic projection and third angle orthographic projection

Answer 4

• Includes front, plan, and end ‘elevations’
• Used by engineers and manufacturers
• Standardised method for:
  • dimensioning
  • scale
  • line types, such as hidden detail
  • first angle views are on the opposite side from the viewpoint
  • third angle views are on the same side as viewpoint

Question 5

Sectional drawing

Answer 5

• Shows interanl details

- The object is usually ‘cut’ in half along a ‘cutting plane’

Question 6

Isometric

Answer 6

• Simple 3D drawing method
• Used to sketch designs
• Can be drawn freehand
• Set square gives 30-degree accuracy

Question 7

Isometric crafting

Answer 7

• Isometric ‘crate’ helps to sketch in isometric

- Particularly useful for sloping surfaces and curves

Question 8

One-point perspective

Answer 8

• Simple 3D drawing method
• Often used by architects and interior designers to sketch buildings or rooms
• Gives the drawing depth
• Objects get smaller the closer they are to the vanishing point
• Can be used for design ideas

Question 9

Two-point perspective

Answer 9

• For 3D drawings to stand out
• Exaggerates the 3D effect
• Object can be drawn above or below the horizon line

Question 10

Thick/thin line technique

Answer 10

• For 3D drawings to stand out
• External edges are bold and thick
• Internal lines are thin

Question 11

Marker rendering

Answer 11

• Sprit-based markers are used
• Provide a base colour
• Additional layers of colour or tone can be added
• Fine-line pens add more detail
• Enhances realism of drawings

Question 12

Mixed media drawings

Answer 12

These make use of:

        - pencil and fine-line pen for detail
        - marker pen
        - watercolour for are cover
        - realistic textures are possible

Question 13

Texture rendering

Answer 13

• Added using a fine-line pen
• Specific materials can be suggested
• Texture includes:
  • wood grain
  • cross-hatching
  • stippling