Transcript The Design Process

The Design Process
Steps in the Design Process
The following slides outline stages and associated activities of the design
process.
The Design Process
1. IDENTIFYING AND DEFINING THE PROBLEM
The problem must be clearly identified. A statement of the problem should
be short and complete. It must give all the information available about the
problem.
The Design Process
2. ANALYSING INFORMATION
This involves listing questions regarding the project. Questions will vary
from project to project. Questions need to be documented in relation to
such issues as:
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TIME
COST
SAFETY
MATERIALS
PROCESSES
FUNCTION
APPEARANCE
ERGONOMICS
The Design Process
3. SYNTHESIS
‘Synthesis’ follows the ‘Analysis’ and provides answers to the questions.
Usually it is impossible to answer all the questions until the project is
virtually completed. Some questions can only be answered when the
research section has been completed. For example, questions on the
choice of materials, or the way ergonomics is applied, must be answered
after research is undertaken in such areas.
The Design Process
4. RESEARCH
Research must be relevant to the project.
Research needs to be undertaken in relation to such maters as:
 Suitable materials
 Ergonomic factors
 Related safety factors
 Existing products
Research may be undertaken by using:
 the library
 the Internet / CD-ROMs/DVDs
 interviews with people with the aim of helping to solve the design problem
The Design Process
5. EVALUATING AND SELECTING APPROPRIATE SOLUTIONS
The evaluation of an appropriate solution draws on the information collected
and presented during research. Documenting the appropriate solution
includes the development of detailed graphical information that will allow the
construction or manufacture of the project .
Often working drawings of the project with a parts list are developed as
apart of the documentation however other forms of documentation may be
developed depending on the nature of the intended project.
The Design Process
6. IMPLEMENTING CHOICES
Construction of the final product from the detailed documentation is
undertaken.
During the construction of the project issues such as time, safety, materials
and processes also need to be simultaneously considered.
The Design Process
7. EVALUATION
What are the criteria for a successful project?
Has the completed project solved the identified problem?
Social issues, health and safety, ethical and environmental issues should be
considered in relation to the final project.
The Design Process
References
http://www.technologystudent.com/designpro/despro1.htm