2.4- Design processes Flashcards
what is iterative design?
A cyclical approach to the design and development process
what are the stages of a cyclical design process such as an iterative design process?
- ideas investigated- all the different possibilities of products that can be created
- research carried out- this can be either primary or secondary
- inspirational materials gathered
- design brief confirmed
- further research carried out
- design criteria established
- design ideas generated- typically initial, developed and final
- Ideas modelled and developed- prototyping
- ideas tested and evaluated
designers will carry out different kinds of investigations for the product/ design process depending on several factors. What are some examples of this?
- the context of the design will affect what investigations are carried out- for example in my NEA my context focused on injustices in the battle industry and African culture, therefore I researched discrimination in the battle industry and African culture.
- the needs of the target market
- forecasted trends
- the need to consult with specialists
- an assessment of existing products
what can be included in a mood board?
- images that will inspire and generate ideas for design work. Sketches and fabric samples can also be included to evoke the design theme
what are the various wags that ideas can be generated?
- making quick sketches
- making more detailed drawings such as flats or 3D by hand or using computer software
- experimenting with fabric swatches, colours and textures
- sampling with different working techniques
- trying out potential materials
- making 3D models out of paper, fabric or using CAD
designers need to be mindful of their brief and specification, but also need to keep in mind what?
that they would be prepared to take creative risks to generate innovative ideas
Designers can communicate design concepts through sketching, what can the sketches include?
suggestions of textures, possible material combinations or suitable decorative techniques. they can also provide evidence of suitable manufacturing technologies, for example laser cutting and sublimation printing
what is modelling?
an important stage in the design process which is used to test out ideas and firm up decisions about design ideas.
what types of materials are used in modelling?
materials which are generally inexpensive and readily and readily available such as cheap cotton blends, calico and muslin fabric. However, in many cases actual fabric substitutes are used, meaning fabrics which are very similar to the fabric the designer intends to use in the final product.
what are the benefits of using a fabric substitute during testing and modelling?
- cost efficiency
- as the fabric drapes and performs very similarly to the fabric the designer intends to use, it allows for early problem identification and reduces costly mistakes later on
planning happens in many different way, how may this be done?
Planning happens in the stages of the design process, these will be evaluated against the design brief, and the most promising ideas will be selected for further investigation. a development plan is put into place
what is a development plan and why is it put in place?
a development plan is put into place to keep the investigations focused on the design criteria and to work out how a successful prototype could be made. in the development plan the designer sets out possible materials, components, techniques and process
what are the benefits of evaluating and testing?
The strengths and weaknesses of a design proposal can be sure when evaluating and testing it against the design criteria.
what are the ways in which evaluating and testing can be complete?
-third party opinions from clients, suppliers, experts and consumers. Their unbiased views will help the design team to judge the best aspects of the design
how can a pattern for a prototype be drafted?
- an existing commercial pattern
-block pattern templates
-pattern drawing software
-shapes traced from an original product when it is taken apart using an unpicker
-moulage techniques
all of these can be traced around directly onto the fabric or tracing it onto dot & cross paper
what can block patterns be used for?
block patterns can be used instead of commercial patterns to create the prototype pattern or even the pattern for the final product
what are block patterns?
block patterns are commonly used shapes, such as skirt fronts or sleeves which can be traced onto the fabric directly or on dot and cross paper and adapted to create the desired shape for prototype
what do block patterns not usually have?
a seam allowance - this is because it is easier to add the seam allowance to the modified versions created for the prototype
