Unit 1 - Needs Analysis

What is a need in systems design?

Anything required for the functionability, operationability, and performance enhancement of a system.

How do needs differ from wants?

'Needs' are required, while 'wants' are desired.

What is the goal of needs analysis?

To break down an identified need into problems, objectives, functions, drivers, physical elements, and design validation.

What is problem identification in needs analysis?

Recognizing gaps and determining if a system needs an upgrade or a new design.

What are system requirements?

Design considerations like material type, interfacing elements, communication signals, and human resource skills.

What are drivers for system requirements?

Factors like cost, technical feasibility, risks, obsolescence, and market opportunities.

What is an objective tree?

A hierarchical breakdown of overarching goals into primary, secondary, and possibly tertiary objectives.

What is functional analysis?

The process of translating objectives into functions, allocating them to subsystems, and organizing them modularly.

What are input functions in functional analysis?

Functions like accepting user commands and distributing electricity or materials.

What are transformative functions?

Functions like heating, mixing, and filtering in a system.

What are output functions?

Providing status, facilitating material removal, and dissipating heat.

What is feasibility definition?

Visualizing and defining the physical aspects of subsystems and trade-offs to ensure project viability.

What are technical performance measures (TPM)?

Metrics that assess performance at the component level.

What are measures of performance (MOP)?

Quantitative metrics of subsystem attributes or performance.

What are measures of effectiveness (MOE)?

Metrics that assess the performance of the entire system.