1.2 stages of the iterative design process- identify phase

phases of the design cycle

identify phase

design phase

optimise phase

validate phase

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identify phases

* ensures the designer has a clear understanding of the requirements of the design brief
* defines client and user needs by carrying out research
* considers the processes to be followed throughout the development of the design (process planning)

identify phase for the designer

confirms client and user expectations of the completed product and gives them an understanding of the market and which competitor products already exist

allows designer to think of design and manufacturing processes and costs of product development to ensure it can be completed on time within budget

The design brief

* sets out requirements for product
* The development of a design brief will be based on a wide range of information.
* This information comes from many different sources.
* The initial problems might come from the client or from client feedback.
* To define the brief in greater detail, the designer and client may gather information using various research methods.
* includes main characteristics and features of product

why design brief is important

includes

what the product must do

who will use product

what the client expects from the product

if requirements are not clearly defined the designer could easily begin to develop a product that is not fit for purpose

carrying out research

allows the designer to explore and confirm the needs of the client and the user and ensure product meets those requirements

if research is not carried out product could be incorrect resulting in expensive product development requiring large changes or a product unsuccessful when put on sale

carrying research out early allows informed decisions about the design of the product will allow certain materials or manufacturing process to be used

what research is carried out

important to find out what the product needs in order to function was required

needs to consider where product will be used (working environment)

research materials and components used or products currently exist on the market that offer similar solutions

manufacturing process

stages through which raw materials go in order to be transformed into a product

working environment

place where product will be used or situated during operation

types of research

primary and secondary

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primary research

research conducted first hand

conducted by:

questionnaires

surveys

focus groups

interviews

advantages:

provides current, up to date information that is specific to the designer or company , this can give give the company an advantage over competitors

disadvantages:

time consuming

results can be misleading/ biased if people questioned, surveyed or interview not large enough

secondary survey

gathered from sources that already exist

books/magazine

internet

published statistics

existing products

data sheets

advantages:

easily, quick, cheaply gathered

disadvantages:

unlikely to provide information specific to the designers client or user

information may be out of data

as it is freely available information, it may not provide a competitive advantage

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types of market research

process of gathering information about the needs and preferences of potential customers/ target market

focus groups

surveys

focus groups

A focus group may be given \n prototypes of the product to review.​

The people in the group would be selected because of their specific profile.​

The participants are often people who the designer and client think will be potential customers.​

Feedback from the focus group needs to be used carefully as the participants might not fully represent the target market. 

focus group advantages

they are able to discuss and ask questions

so more accurate responses

focus group disadvantages

can focus on stereotypes which can be misleading and not reflect target market

if the range of people too narrow this may lead to fewer new ideas and suggestions and could limit scope of future market

if group too broad, opinions gathered may not reflect the actual needs of future users

surveys

Surveys are series of questions that can be distributed to potential customers to gain views and opinions.​

surveys advantages

can be distributed and repeated easily

cost-effective

can focus on key groups of individuals or be more general to gain a a wider view of what the general population thinks

can be carried out over any time-scale

trend

A trend is a pattern that occurs in the sales of particular products or in the behaviours of consumers.​

changing consumer trends

A product that is currently on trend will be extremely popular on the market and so generate high sales.

Consumer trends are dynamic.​ This means they change and evolve and can last for different periods of time.​

It is critical that designers and their clients understand current trends and how they change over time.​

Designers and clients must try and predict how the market will evolve.

As technology continues to develop, this consumer trend may change. ​

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how to analyse existing products

look at competitors products to gain a greater understanding what is currently selling well, what features they include and where there are opportunities for improvements. They can try to crate and improves product and gain a competitive advantage

what does the analysis look

Aesthetics

Cost

Consumer

Environment

Size

Safety

Function

Material

using this it is possible to research products systematically and compare the relative strengths and weaknesses across a range of similar products

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product dissassembly

involves taking the product apart to examine the materials, parts and components that have been used to produce it

process planning

all activities required to complete the development of a new product are defined with timescales assigned, to ensure the product can be delivered on time within budget.