Transcript Got Design? - The Center for Innovation in Engineering and

Got Design?
Design Optimization
Through M.A.S.H. Analysis
M.A.S.H.
• A method of generating, tracking, and
objectively evaluating product design
in this environment.
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Mechanics
Aesthetics
Sustainability
Human Factors
Product Design
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Function
Form
Environmental Impact
Ease of Use
Product Analysis
• Broadly defined categories need to be
tailored to suit each design project.
• Electronic interface projects will have
different issues than developing a new
weed whacker.
• Raw materials: pixels vs. metals and
plastics.
Mechanics
• Focus on product structure and function.
• How does the design perform its intended
function?
• What materials is it made from?
• How is it constructed or assembled?
• Is it based on existing or emerging
technology platform?
• How do these elements impact the product’s
efficiently and durability? What kind of
mechanical limitations do you expect to
encounter?
Aesthetics
• Focus on a product’s form and appearance.
• Is it based on a certain type of proportion system?
• Is there an historical or natural precedent for
appealing shapes and colors?
• What color/colors is it?
• What does its shape/form communicate to the
viewer?
• Is it an appropriate size and scale for its intended
use?
• Is it meant to evoke a certain mood or emotion?
• Is it appropriate for its intended audience?
• How and where are graphics and labels applied?
Sustainability
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Focus on the environmental impact of the design.
How long will the product be useful (intended lifespan)?
Is it meant to wear out or be disposable?
Can it be made from recycled materials?
Can it be disassembled so its parts can be recycled or reused?
Can you reduce the number of parts or fasteners required?
Does it have multiple uses?
Where does its power come from? Is that energy source renewable?
Are the manufacturing processes required to create it harmful?
Is there a service that exists that could replace this product?
Human Factors
• Focus on human interaction.
• What are the important human measurements for interaction
with the product?
• In what environment will this human and product interact?
• Will that influence the parson’s or product’s performance?
• Are there any conceptual, physical, or cultural barriers to your
product’s acceptance and use?
• How much learning or training is required for someone to use
the product?
• Is it safe to use?
• Can you minimize unintentional use or reduce the negative
impact of incorrect use?
• Is your design fun or pleasurable to use?
Idea-Generation Tool
• Use M.A.S.H. as a structure for guiding and
collecting ideas.
• Filter out extraneous ideas and generate sufficient
depth.
• List as many variables as possible in each category.
• Systematically or randomly combine them to guide a
new design.
• Some obvious relationships will form.
• Some relationships will be surprises.
• Some designs will be practical and others will
radical.
An Evaluation Tool
• M.A.S.H. can be used as an objective
measure of an objective performance.
• Used to easily identify strengths and
weaknesses of a given design concept.
Scoring
• Score Poor as 1 to Excellent as 5 with
2, 3, 4 in between.
• Add the scores and divide by the
number of scores.
• Multiply by 10 and add 50.
– Example: 3.2 avg. X 10 + 50 = 82
Mechanics
poor
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Function
Materials
Production
Construction
Assembly
Technology
Efficiency
Durability
Limitations
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excellent
n/a
Aesthetics
poor
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Proportions
Precedent
Color
Semantics
Scale
Emotions
Appropriate
Branding
Graphics
excellent
n/a
Sustainability
poor
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Life-Span
Obsolescence
Recycled
Disassembly
Parts
Multiuse
Energy Source
Manufacture
Service
excellent
n/a
Human Factors
poor
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Anthropometrics
Ergonomics
Learning
Physical Access
Cultural Access
Concepts Access
Safety
Error
Pleasure
excellent
n/a