2.4 Design Processes

Question 1

What is a design process?

Answer 1

A system that organises how a prototype (in a school or collage) or a product (in the commercial world) is developed.

Question 2

What does a design brief include?

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

How do designers investigate and analyse materials?

Answer 3

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.

Question 4

What are some examples of investigation techniques that commercial designers use?

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

What do designers use to inspire their designs? (3)

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Why are mind maps useful within design?

Answer 6

Mind maps are useful in helping you think about the factors that influence the design, and what you might consider while developing the product.

Question 7

What is the SCAMPER technique?

Answer 7

A method of developing ideas

Question 8

What does SCAMPER stand for?

Answer 8

Substitute
Combine
Adapt
Modify
Put it to another use
Eliminate
Reverse

Question 9

What does substitute mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 9

change materials, components, finishes and so on

Question 10

What does combine mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 10

mix ideas or parts of ideas together

Question 11

What does adapt mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 11

alter the design, use part of another idea, change the function, adapt mechanisms or useful parts

Question 12

What does modify mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 12

change the shape of the design or part of it, increase or decrease the size

Question 13

What does put it to another use mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 13

is there an alternative use for the design? Could it have different functions?

Question 14

What does eliminate mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 14

remove and reduce parts. Simplify the design

Question 15

What does reverse mean in the SCAMPER method?

Answer 15

turn the design inside out and upside down

Question 16

Why do designers work collaboratively in teams?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What does DATA stand for?

Answer 17

Design and Technology Association

Question 18

What is the significance of Edward de Bono?

Answer 18

He created the technique of thinking hats as a method of improving creative discussion about ideas.

Question 19

What is the method of thinking hats?

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the white hat represent?

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the red hat represent?

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the yellow hat represent?

Answer 22

The yellow hat encourages the wearer it think positively about an idea. They will need to support the idea and justify their statements.

Question 23

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the black hat represent?

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the green hat represent?

Answer 24

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.

Question 25

With the thinking hats method of development, what does the blue hat represent?

Answer 25

The blue hat is for directly the discussion and telling the group when to change hats. The wearer of the blue hat will summarise the key points from the discussion and make decisions.

Question 26

What are the 10 methods of illustration?

Answer 26

1 isometric drawing 2 one-point perspective 3 two-point perspective 4 exploded views 5 marker rendering 6 sectional views 7 orthographic 8 flow chat 9 3D CAD 10 2D CAD

Question 27

What is a specification?

Answer 27

It is a list of requirements that a design must meet. It can contain a list of desirable features. In the commercial world, it is highly likely that much of the specification will be determined by the requirements of the client.

Question 28

What are the specification points heavily reliant on?

Answer 28

The requirements of the client

Question 29

What points/aspects of design should be included in a specification? (12)

Answer 29

1 function 2 user 3 environment 4 sustainability 5 maintenance 6 size 7 weight 8 ergonomics 9 aesthetics 10 cost 11 quality 12 safety

Question 30

What materials can be used for modelling?

Answer 30

paper, card, Styrofoam, clay, wire, polymorph, foamboard, balsa etc.

Question 31

Why is modelling helpful in the design process?

Answer 31

Models can be made to scale, which can be helpful in communicating the aesthetics of a product. They can be used to demonstrate the function of a product. Full size models can be used to check the sizes and proportions or they can be used to check the function of an idea before committing to using more expensive materials.

Question 32

What points should be considered to ensure a good project management?

Answer 32

1 select your project carefully 2 start your project as soon as possible 3 plan and manage your time carefully 4 keep your drawings and notes in an organised folder 5 If you complete project work in the computer, save many versions. 6 Carefully photograph any modelling and making of prototypes, and present these clearly in your folder. 7 Keep a lot or diary so that you can explain how your prototype was developed using notes, sketched and photos.

Question 33

What does CPA stand for?

Answer 33

Critical path analysis

Question 34

What is critical plan analysis?

Answer 34

It is a graphic method that can be used to plan production. CPA diagrams are used to show the key stages and critical points of manufacturing. They can show concurrent manufacturing stages and how they converge into the final assembly.

Question 35

Where is evaluation and testing evident within a design project?

Answer 35

1 After completing some investigation work such as disassembly, the designer would evaluate their findings and summarise the key points they need to consider in their own designs. 2 After completing some initial design drawings, the designer would evaluate them with a client and/or potential users of the product. 3 When models and prototypes are produced, they can be tested with potential users and the feedback used to further refine the prototype.

Question 36

How can a final prototype be evaluated?

Answer 36

1 A detailed comparison of the product against the specification. The designer would make comments based upon how the product performs against each criterion of the specification. 2 Testing the prototype in its intended environment. 3 Obtaining 3rd party feedback from potential users of the product.

Question 37

Why do designers use a cyclic nature for design and manufacture?

Answer 37

Working alongside sales and marketing teams, designers will be aware of market trends and will know when they product or product range needed to be refreshed to improve sales.