Design Processes

• design processes


  a system to organise designing and making a prototype of a product
• model


  either a 3D CAD drawing or a physical mock-up used to communicate designs to others. or to improve particular aspects of a design
• specification


  a list of key points that a designer follows when developing designs and making prototypes
• primary research


  investigation techniques that use first-hand sources such as interviews, observation, disassembly of products
• SCAMPER


  a technique of modifying existing designs to create new ideas
• design brief includes


  - description of problem or need

  - images and details of context

  - explanation of why existing products arent suitable

  - details of client or user group

  - description of type of product to be developed

  - key functions of the product

  - key areas of focus for the product to be a success
• investigations and analysis


  - mostly use primary research

  - observe people in similar environment using similar products

  - identify weaknesses of current products

  - seek opinions of potential users
• analysis of existing products

  - disassemble products

  - how they function

  - materials used

  - vital components

  - ergonomic features

  - cost/ price
• investigations and analysis of materials

  - research into materials and construction methods

  - testing materials e.g., toughness and hardness tests
• inspiration materials


  - mood boards and inspiration boards

  - inspiration boxes - swatches, colour samples, material samples

  - job bags - a collection of cutting from newspapers, magazines, sketches, material samples, components and products
• ideas generation


  - mind maps

  - SCAMPER - substitute, combine, adapt, modify, put it to another use, eliminate, reverse

  - collaborative working
• thinking hats


  - developed by edward de bono

  - six different coloured hats

  - white hat - facts and essential information

  - red hats - feelings and emotions

  - yellow hat - think positively about idea

  - black hat - think about negative aspects of idea

  - green hat - creativity

  - blue hat - direction the discussion
• developing ideas through discussion

  talk with:

  - client

  - target market

  - manufacturer

  - other designers
• isometric drawing


  used to sketch design ideas

  3D drawing at a 30 degree angle
• one-point perspective


  used to show building or room interiors
• two-point perspective


  used to draw objects from a range of different viewing angles
• exploded views


  used to show the relationship of parts of a product and how they assemble
• marker rendering


  used to represent colour and material finishes
• sectional views


  used to show cross section of an object - useful to show hidden detaill e.g., internal components
• orthographic drawings


  show front, plan and end view of an object - usually drawing to scale
• flow chart


  used to show sequence of manufacturing processes
• 3D CAD


  virtual model, can see product from all angles
• 2D CAD


  used for CAM equipment
• design specification


  - function

  - user

  - environment

  - sustainability

  - maintenance

  - size

  - weight

  - ergonomics

  - aesthetic

  - cost

  - quality

  - safety
• modelling materials


  can use paper, card, Styrofoam, clay, polymorph, modelling clay, foamboard, corriflute, balsa
• why model


  - can be to scale

  - communicate aesthetics

  - test ergonomics

  
  

  - can use flow process charts
• planning


  communicate main stages of production and estimated time it will take to complete them - sets out key dates they should be completed by
• evaluation and testing


  - analyse existing product - evaluate findings and summarise key points

  - initial design ideas - gather client feedback

  - models and prototypes - test with potential users, and focus groups
• iterative process in industrial and commercial contexts

  - collaborative working - teams consist of people with different expertise - can help fill strengths and weaknesses, generate more ideas, and use a fresh pair of eyes to evaluate ideas

  - example - designers will gain feedback from manufacturers to ensure their design is viable and is possible
• the cyclic nature of commercial design and manufacture

  - constantly evaluate ideas with clients

  - gain feedback

  - make developments on design

  - gather new set of feedback