2.4-Design processes Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is a design process
- an organised way of designing and making a prototype of a product
- it is usually cyclic as ongoing improvements are important
Explain a couple parts of the cyclic design process
Problem/brief-investigation-specification-ideas generation and devlopement
What is the purpose of a design brief
It outlines the needs/wants of specific user or target market
It contains
-description of problem or need
-images and details of the context, situation or problem
-inadequacies or unsuitability of existing products
-client or user group information
-function of product
-key areas of focus
Ways that designers gain research and analysis for strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement in existing products (primary data)
- use product for the intended task
- take this apart to assess function, components, materials and manufacture
- compare these aspects with other equivelent products
- seek objective views through focus groups or questionnaires
- assess ergonomic features facilitating ease of use
- check if consumer needs and key product development criteria are met
- assess aesthetics/cost
Ways that designers gain resesearch and analysis of materials (primary data)
- materials, construction and finishes require research to ensure appropriate choices
- designers require technical information on materials from specialist researchers
- toughness and tensile strength data are examples of materials technical information
What other methods can designers use to gain research (primary data)
- discuss requirements with client or user groups
- use of specialist internet forums
- identify key specification criteria through consultationswith specialists
- investigate current style influences, fashions, trends
- check British Standards
- investigate materials’ and components’ safety
- anthropometric data
- social, moral, cultural standards
Two ways that can be used for inspiration of materials
- mood boards-relevant images
- inspiration boxes-swates, colour samples, materials
What is the purpose of a design specification
This is carried out after investigation and analysis of research and contains a list of essential requirements.
What is the purpose of a design specification
- this is a key criteria carried out after investigation and analysis of research and contains a list of essential requirements
- typical elements that need to be considered involve function, user, size, weight, ergonomics, aesthetics, cost, safety
What is SCAMPER
a technique to create new ideas based on elements of existing designs
Explain each part of SCAMPER
- Substitute-try alternative elements of design such as materials
- Combine-mix ideas
- Adapt-use other products for inspiration
- Modify-change the shape, look, feel, size
- Put to another use-alternative function
- Eliminate-simplify the design by removing unneccesary elements
- Reverse-reorganise in a radical way
Explain collaborative team designing, as a way of generating ideas
collaborative team designing
- 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 video conferencing
Briefly explain the 4x4 design activity collaborative technique
- one person draws an ideas in the centre of the sheet and four boxes around it
- second person develops first idea further
- process continues to produce four development drawings
- benefits from a range of alternative ideas and viewpoints
Briefly explain Edward de Bono’s ‘Thinking Hats’
- a technique to improve creative discussion of ideas and work collaboratively
- 6 coloured hats worn in turn to represent alternative viewpoints
How can ideas be developed through discussion
- discuss designs with a client, or with people from the target market
- sketch/model initial concept ideas and use feedback to modify design
Outline modelling, as part of the design process
producing a 3D CAD design or a physical mock up of a design
- it is used to develop design ideas and prototypes
- models made out of card, styrofoam, clay, wire etc
- quick sketch odels use easily cut, folded and glued cardboard
- full size models facilitate size, proportion, ergonomics and function of products
- photos of models and records of lessons learned from them
- sketches on photos useful to show development ideas
Outline planning, as part of the design process
- careful planning and preparation are important
- a spreadsheet timeline with main stages, dates and space for notes is useful
How is planning used in commercial manufacture
- consideration of concurrent stages e.g. making sub-assemblies
- timings of operations and the sequence of activities require detailed planning
- graphical methods such as CPA help to plan productiom
- flow charts facilitate efficient planning production operation and timings
How is planning used in manufacture
- effective planning should ensure that manufacture is as efficient as possible
- dimensional working drawings are also important, as well as details of materials and components
How is evaluating and testing used in the design process
- evaluative summary of key points following disassemblie and other investigation work
- evaluation of intial ideas with client and/or potential users of the product
- evaluation of 3D CAD views
- testing models and prototypes with potential users for further refinement
How can a completed product or prototype be evaluated
- detailed comparison of the product against each of the specification criteria
- testing function, ergonomics etc in intended environment
- third party, objective feedback from potential users
- suggestions for further improvement
3 methods of visual communication that can be used in the design process
- flow charts for manufacturing processes and QC stages
- 3D CAD to generate realistic views of designs and virtual models
- 2D CAD to draw parts for working drawings/CNC machines
Why does large scale commercial design ad manufacture rely on collaborative working
- follow an interative process
- because this facilitates the ongoing product improvements that are necessary to sustain commercial success
Why does bespoke design and manufacture use a linear design process
- it has a definite start and edn
- it concentrates more on understanding and meeting the individual demands of the client/user nd achieving high standards of manufacture
