2.4 Design Processes Flashcards
(37 cards)
What is a design process?
A system that organises how a prototype (in a school or collage) or a product (in the commercial world) is developed.
What does a design brief include?
A description of the problem or need. Images and details of the context and situation or problem. An explanation of why existing products are not suitable or do not meet the needs of the user. Details of the client or user group (who the product is intended for and how it may help). An outline description of the type of product that is to be developed. A description of the key functions of the product. A list of the key areas of focus for the product to be a success.
How do designers investigate and analyse materials?
Sometimes, designers may need to carry out research into materials, construction methods and finishes so that they can select the most appropriate ones to use in a project. In the commercial world, designers are unlikley to be experts in all materials, components and technologies that go into products, so it is vital to carry out such practical investigations. In the commercial world, this type of testing might be carried out by specialist researchers, who then make the results available for designers to use.
What are some examples of investigation techniques that commercial designers use?
1 meeting with a client or user group to discuss their requirements.
2 Using internet forums to gain public opinion about the product being developed.
3 looking at current trends and styles
4 identifying design constraints such as size, environment etc.
5 analysis of anthropometric data to ensure that product will ‘fit’ the relevant consumers.
What do designers use to inspire their designs? (3)
1 mood boards - a collage of images relating to the product, which might include colours, styles and other inspirational images.
2 ‘inspiration boxes’ - might include swatches, colour samples, sample materials and existing products.
3 ‘job bags’ - a collection of cuttings from newspapers, magazines, sketches, material samples, components and products.
Why are mind maps useful within design?
Mind maps are useful in helping you think about the factors that influence the design, and what you might consider while developing the product.
What is the SCAMPER technique?
A method of developing ideas
What does SCAMPER stand for?
Substitute
Combine
Adapt
Modify
Put it to another use
Eliminate
Reverse
What does substitute mean in the SCAMPER method?
change materials, components, finishes and so on
What does combine mean in the SCAMPER method?
mix ideas or parts of ideas together
What does adapt mean in the SCAMPER method?
alter the design, use part of another idea, change the function, adapt mechanisms or useful parts
What does modify mean in the SCAMPER method?
change the shape of the design or part of it, increase or decrease the size
What does put it to another use mean in the SCAMPER method?
is there an alternative use for the design? Could it have different functions?
What does eliminate mean in the SCAMPER method?
remove and reduce parts. Simplify the design
What does reverse mean in the SCAMPER method?
turn the design inside out and upside down
Why do designers work collaboratively in teams?
This is common practice in industry where no single designer will work in a project on their own; rather, the design work for a project will be given to various designers, each one adding to the design and developing it in turn. This is so done so that the expertise and creative minds of the whole team can be utilised. It normally results in a much better product than one created by a single designer.
What does DATA stand for?
Design and Technology Association
What is the significance of Edward de Bono?
He created the technique of thinking hats as a method of improving creative discussion about ideas.
What is the method of thinking hats?
It is a method of improving creative discussion about ideas. The thinking hats technique has 6 different coloured hats. Each colour represents a different way of looking at things. The group take it in turns to wear each hat so that the analyse the idea from different viewpoints.
With the thinking hats method of development, what does the white hat represent?
The white hat represents the facts and essential information. It also encourages the identification of information that needs to be sought to solve the problem, and thinking about how the information can be found.
With the thinking hats method of development, what does the red hat represent?
The red hat represents feelings and emotions. Anyone wearing the red hat is encouraged to express their feeling about the idea without any justification. Their thoughts can be subjective and do not need to be rational.
With the thinking hats method of development, what does the yellow hat represent?
The yellow hat encourages the wearer it think positively about an idea. They will need to support the idea and justify their statements.
With the thinking hats method of development, what does the black hat represent?
The black hat is the opposite of the yellow hat. The wearer is to discuss the negative aspects of the idea. They are to put opposing views forward and justify their points.
With the thinking hats method of development, what does the green hat represent?
The green hat is for creativity. This encourages the wearer to think about unconventional solutions and ideas. Creative thinking may develop the design in unexpected ways.