Design and Innovation Flashcards
Investigating
Asking the customer/target market questions, conducting interviews with someone impacted by or related to the product, looking at existing products and comparing existing products can produce new solutions
Design
Ideas generally come from a solution where a ‘need’ has arisen or from a design brief or specification.
Fast design generation - quick design sketching to get ideas from your head to the paper
Design convergence and divergence - structured process because designs are generated, evaluated and then redesigned until few designs are left.
Analogy
A designer refers to a personal experience, nature or real life situations of different areas of engineering to influence there design
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a popular technique for generating and recording ideas, as it a simple process. It is a very effective technique with designers that are working in group situation
Morphological analysis
Uses different attributes to create many different possibilities of designs
What is the Kitermark
Recognised worldwide as a symbol of trust, integrity and quality
CE
This mark means that europena standards have been met and that the Product can be freely traded within Europe
Lion Mark and British Lion Quality and BEAB
Lion Mark - A symbol of toy safety and quality
BLQ - A symbol used to show that eggs have been produced to the highest standards of food safety
BEAB approved mark on a product demonstrates that an Intertek independent third party has verified its safety.
Concurrent Engineering
Concurrent Engineering is a systematic approach to the development of products that focuses on improving efficiey. Its split into two main concepts:
First Idea: All elements of the products lifecycle (including design, manufacturing, maintanance, disposal) should be taken into careful consideration early in the development process
Second Idea: The preceding design activties should be all occuring at the same time, allowing for increased efficiency and productivity
Name methods of primary research
- Questionnaires
- Telephone
- Interviews
- User requirements
- Consumer profile
- Safety/enviromental issues
- spray diagrams
- qualitative information
Name methods of secondary research
- Existing products
- Similar Products
- Manufacturing Processes
- Material/Typography
- Theme/Mood Boards
- Books
- Resources
- Analysis of competitor products
- Product Analysis
- Anthropometrics/Ergonomics
- Quantitive Information
Research Methods
A variation of research methods will ensure that a wide variety of information is obtained (ensure its from a correct and viable source)
Internet
+often very quick
+no need to move
+variety of information
- info can be incorrect
- requires computer
Documentation
+very reliable
- effort
Questionnaires
+ Cheap
+Easy to analyse
+ large or small scale
- some people don’t bother
- hard to create useful ones
Interviews
+ gain real opinions
+ not too structured
+ can be altered to ability
-time consuming
-not an easy skill
Observations
+firsthand experience
+ can compare with interviews
- you can get in the way
- not an easy skill
Laser Cutter
Laser Cutter -
A laser cutter uses a laser light focused on material to vaporize material at high temps.
+ laser produces little waste material reducing material costs
+ laser will accurately produce the desired design
- laser produces a burnt edge that will need further finishing before sale
3D Printer
3D Printer - A 3D Printer constructs a solid object from thousands of slices. Those layers bonded together to from a solid object.
+ high repeatability and accuracy
- expensive initial costs
CNC
Computer Numerical Control works by converting 3D digital files into coordinates and plots the work creating a fully 3D shapes
+ Produces will clean edges saving finishing time
- A router will produce more waste in the form of sawdust increasing material costs
+ A router will have a radius on all internal corners and is less accurate
+ When programmed routers can produce the same shape many times.
Computerised Embroidery Machines
Convert digital image into an embroided section of fabrics. Multiple colour threads, and will do it automatically once image has been uploaded.
CAD +
- Increases productivity (faster than manual workers) whilst decreasing errors
- Often higher quality
- designs can be edited/reused easily
- easily understood
- CAD files can be easily shared
- No physical space required
CAM +
- faster and more accurate than manual workers (eliminate costly errors)
- continuously produces identical outcomes
- cost efficient over time
- reduces labour costs
CAM/CAD -
- expensive start up costs
- machines may require servicing and maintenance
- training is required before users become literate
- faults can delay design and production
James Dyson
Problem-Solving Focus:
Identified user frustration with traditional vacuum bags clogging and needing replacement.
Innovative Technology:
Developed Dual Cyclone technology to solve the problem (no bag, constant suction).
Perseverance:
Hoover rejected his idea — but he persisted independently.
Iterative Development:
Created 5,127 prototypes through a test–learn–refine cycle.
Early Success:
First major success was licensing his product in Japan (G-Force vacuum).
Market Approach:
Targets mass market — focuses on functional user needs (performance, reliability).
Form vs Function:
Prioritises functionality over aesthetics.
Innovation Source:
Technology-driven innovation (solving problems with new engineering).
Bethan Gray
Sensory/Emotional Focus:
Designs focus on the sensory experience — textures you want to touch, luxurious materials, emotional connection.
Aesthetics:
Beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail are central to her designs.
Innovation Style:
Blends cutting-edge design technology with traditional craftsmanship.
Cultural Inspiration:
Draws from Welsh heritage — e.g., the three-legged table inspired by traditional Welsh furniture.
Market Approach:
Targets a high-end/luxury market segment — products are exclusive, not mass-produced.
Form vs Function:
Balances form and function — but with a heavier emphasis on aesthetic and emotional form.
Iterative Development:
Uses test–learn–refine to perfect finishes and joints, not just the core function.
Innovation Source:
Craftsmanship-driven innovation (bringing heritage into contemporary design).
Dyson’s and Gray’s Innovation
Essentially…
Dyson’s innovation is rooted in problem-solving for user needs, prioritising functional efficiency over aesthetic considerations.
Gray’s work balances form and function, creating products that satisfy emotional as well as practical needs through her focus on materiality and cultural storytelling
Both identified something to build on or reactant against. Dyson saw a functional problem, Gray draws from deep tradition and her heritage. Innovation is different however as Dyson functional, technlogical mass market focus dirupting an existing product category whereas Gray is more abour aesthtcis, materials,craftsmanship often in more high end design pieces, innovating with tradion.
Other Dyson Products To Mention
Upright Vacuum Cleaner (DC01) - clear collection bin allows uer to see cyclone tech working and when it needs emtpying. Later dyson models like the Dyson Ball with the ball mase providing manoeurability.
Airblade - designed to dry hands with air, shape of product requires user to place their hands vertically which optimising hand drying.
Dyson commnoly uses ABS polymer and polycarbonate which is served to visually highlight functional elements by colouring them differently
