2.4-Design processes

Question 1

What is a design process

Answer 1

• an organised way of designing and making a prototype of a product
• it is usually cyclic as ongoing improvements are important

Question 2

Explain a couple parts of the cyclic design process

Answer 2

Problem/brief-investigation-specification-ideas generation and devlopement

Question 3

What is the purpose of a design brief

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Ways that designers gain research and analysis for strengths, weaknesses and areas of improvement in existing products (primary data)

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Ways that designers gain resesearch and analysis of materials (primary data)

Answer 5

• 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

Question 6

What other methods can designers use to gain research (primary data)

Answer 6

• 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

Question 7

Two ways that can be used for inspiration of materials

Answer 7

• mood boards-relevant images

- inspiration boxes-swates, colour samples, materials

Question 8

What is the purpose of a design specification

Answer 8

This is carried out after investigation and analysis of research and contains a list of essential requirements.

Question 9

What is the purpose of a design specification

Answer 9

• 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

Question 10

What is SCAMPER

Answer 10

a technique to create new ideas based on elements of existing designs

Question 11

Explain each part of SCAMPER

Answer 11

• 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

Question 12

Explain collaborative team designing, as a way of generating ideas

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Briefly explain the 4x4 design activity collaborative technique

Answer 13

• 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

Question 14

Briefly explain Edward de Bono’s ‘Thinking Hats’

Answer 14

• a technique to improve creative discussion of ideas and work collaboratively
• 6 coloured hats worn in turn to represent alternative viewpoints

Question 15

How can ideas be developed through discussion

Answer 15

• discuss designs with a client, or with people from the target market
• sketch/model initial concept ideas and use feedback to modify design

Question 16

Outline modelling, as part of the design process

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Outline planning, as part of the design process

Answer 17

• careful planning and preparation are important

- a spreadsheet timeline with main stages, dates and space for notes is useful

Question 18

How is planning used in commercial manufacture

Answer 18

• 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

Question 19

How is planning used in manufacture

Answer 19

• 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

Question 20

How is evaluating and testing used in the design process

Answer 20

• 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

Question 21

How can a completed product or prototype be evaluated

Answer 21

• 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

Question 22

3 methods of visual communication that can be used in the design process

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

Why does large scale commercial design ad manufacture rely on collaborative working

Answer 23

• follow an interative process

- because this facilitates the ongoing product improvements that are necessary to sustain commercial success

Question 24

Why does bespoke design and manufacture use a linear design process

Answer 24

• 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

Question 25

Which standard facilitates the achievement of international centred design

Answer 25

ISO 13407

Question 26

What is collaborative working

Answer 26

the combination of expertise, skills and knowledge of a number of people involved in designing and manufacturing products

Question 27

How is collaborative working used in industry

Answer 27

design teams exploit the particular expertise and specialist and knowledge of team members for aspects e.g. ergonomics
-manufacturing decisions and tooling overseen by production design specialists

Question 28

What is the iterative (cyclic) process

Answer 28

how designs are modified by a continuing, cyclic process refinements based on the evaluation of ideas

Question 29

How do designers use the iterative process

Answer 29

• focus group and individual feedback helps to refine prototypes
• production engineers give feedback on the manufacturing implications of changes
• maintaining the life cycle of products-improved versions of producta
• some improvements are a result of the availability of technological innovations