PDT

Discover

Divergent thinking in first diamond - gather research on end users

Define

Convergent thinking in first diamond - narrow down problem using research and write design brief

Develop

Divergent thinking in second diamond - brainstorm and create visualisations/ prototypes to get end user feedback

Deliver

Convergent thinking in second diamond - use feedback to create the final product

Divergent thinking

Creative thinking - research widely, think unrealistically, talk to end users

Convergent thinking

Critical thinking - asking questions, thinking realistically, apply evaluation criteria

Need or opportunity

Factor - purpose for/of a product

Function

Factor - purpose of a product that makes it fit for use for its intent

End users

Factor - the human/non-human consumers of the product

Aesthetics

Factor - relates to product’s form, appearance and feel (what is appealing)

Market needs and opportunities

Factor - Solving problems or new needs/opportunities using innovation and entrepreneurial activities

Product lifecycle

Factor - materials sourcing, useful life and impact of disposal

Technologies; materials, tools, processes

Factor - materials, tools and processes used (traditional and emerging)

Ethical considerations in design

Factor - enabling individual and public values, work towards social goals (belonging, access, usability, equity) *also includes legal responsibilities

Visualisations

Rough, scribbly sketches that show parts of a whole. Used to put forward many ideas

Design options

Demonstrates how the finished product could look. Presentation style

Working drawings

Outlines only, not coloured. Shows accurate shapes and drawn to scale.

Point

A singular mark. Can be small, circular, raised, flat, coloured etc.

Line

A connection between two points. Can be straight, curved, irregular

Shape

When a line meets itself and creates a defined space. Can be organic, geometric, abstract, symbolic

Form

Three dimensional and can be illustrated or constructed. Can be organic, geometric, abstract, symbolic

Tone

How light/dark a colour is. It is used to indicate form

Texture

Tactile aspect, can be real or implied. Comes from the material a product is made from

Colour

Derived from light, objects and the human eye/brain. Can be used to specify areas or distinguish form

Transparent

You can totally see through it

Translucent

Allows light through, but is cloudy

Opaque

Does not allow light through and cannot be seen through

Balance

The weighting and arrangement of elements and principles

Symmetry/asymmetry

Elements are identical/non-identical on both sides of a central axis

Contrast

Opposite qualities used to create visual interest

Repetition

Repeating certain elements to create unity and consistency

Movement/rhythm

The visual flow created by the placement of elements in a design

Pattern

Design elements arranged in a regular and predictable manner

Proportion

The scale of design elements in relation to each other

Positive space

The material or parts of a product that are real

Negative space

The empty area around the material of an object

Surface qualities

How the surface of a product appears both visually and texturally.

Scale

The relative size of something to what it represents

Material tests

Assessing the properties and characteristics of a material

Construction trials

Experimenting with production processes and techniques