Transcript The Attributes of Design Brian Nettleton This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0402616. Any opinions,

The Attributes of Design
Brian Nettleton
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No.
0402616.
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the
author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation (NSF). June,
2006.
Much of the following information was taken from Valley City University Technology Education Inventions and
Innovations course.
Everyone can design solutions to a
problem
For most problems there is more than one solution. Sharing ideas
with others and brainstorming is a good way to find multiple solutions.
Design is a creative process.
Imagination is important when solving problems. Good
designers are able to “Think outside the box.” when
brainstorming ideas or solutions to problems. Sometimes the
craziest idea turns out to be the best idea.
The design process is a purposeful
method of planning practical
solutions to problems.
The design process involves:
•Creating Ideas
•Communicating Ideas on paper with words and/or sketches
•Building models
•Testing
•Evaluating the design
Requirements for a design include
such factors as the desired
elements and features of a product
or system or the limits that are
placed on the design.
Designs usually have to meet certain criteria such as size,
function, and materials. Sometimes compromises have to
be made in order for the design to fit the criteria.
Design is a creative planning
process that leads to useful
products and systems.
The design process is used for building cars, bridges, buildings,
and household objects. The design process is also used in
developing software, movies, and web pages.
There is no perfect design.
All designs can be improved. New technologies enable things to
be constructed cheaper, lighter, faster, and more efficient making
older designs obsolete.
Requirements for a design are
made up of criteria and constraints.
The criteria of a design deals with its ability to function properly. The
constraints of a design limit things like size and cost of manufacturing.
The Design Process
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Identify the problem,
Define or refine the problem,
Gather information,
Develop alternate solutions,
Select and refine the best solution,
Express the design solution,
Build a model or prototype of the solution,
Evaluate, revise and refine the solution,
Communicate the solution.
Design problems are seldom
presented in a clearly defined form.
Sometimes the criteria and constraints of a design are not
compatible. If compromises can’t be made, there can’t be a solution
to the design problem.
The design needs to be continually
checked and critiqued, and the
ideas of the design must be
redefined and improved.
Designs need to keep up with changing consumer trends and
manufacturing innovations. Materials and ways of doing things
are constantly changing. A good design is able to adapt to these
changes.
Requirements of a design, such as
criteria, constraints, and efficiency,
sometimes compete with each
other.
Often multiple designs are necessary to fill the need of consumers
and manufacturers. The size, cost, and functionality of a design may
not be exactly the same for each consumer or manufacturer.
Standards and Benchmarks
Standard 8: Students will develop an understanding of the
attributes of design.
E.
Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful
products and systems.
F. There is no perfect design.
G. Requirements for a design are made up of criteria and
constraints.