Design & Technology - The Design Process

Iterative Design

This approach (process) is the practice of building, refining and improving a product. Designers that use the iterative development approach, create, test, evaluate and revise until they are satisfied with end result. 

Intuitive design

This approach is normally fast and efficient. It relies on the mental and experiential capacity to read meanings into observed patterns and derive solutions very quickly. Think about the problem deeply and find a solution in a flash

Stages in design thinking (6)

1. Empathise

2. Define

3. Ideate

4. Refine

5. Realise 

6. Test

Emapathise (stage in design thinking)

Research you user’s needs

Define (stage in design thinking)

State your user’s needs and problems

Ideate (stage in design thinking)

Challenge assumptions and create ideas

Refine (stage in design thinking)

Develop ideas through an iterative process

Realise (stage in design thinking)

Start to create solutions

Test (stage in design thinking)

Try out your solutions

Analysis of a product (10)

1. Function

2. Aesthetic

3. Ergonomics

4. Types and properties of materials

5. Production processes

6. Target market/customers

7. Cost

8. Safety of user

9. Quality Control (including standards such as use of non-toxic paints or electrical safety)

10. Sustainability

Stages in the design process (17)

1. Identifying an original design need or how an existing product can be improved

2. Preparing a design brief that accurately describes a design need

3. Finding, gathering and analysing information relevant to a design need

4. Completing primary and secondary research relevant to a design need, including the use of market research tools such as observations, interviews and questionnaires

5. Drawing up a design specification of requirements which are succinct, justified and measurable

6. Generating and recording possible solutions

7. Developing and refining ideas using further research and analysis and checking against the design specification

8. Evaluating possible solutions through a variety of techniques and selecting one solution for development

9. Modelling aspects of ideas and proposals to test and see how a product looks and its viability

10. Developing and formulating a detailed design proposal for a product

11. Identifying the resources required to realise a product

12. Organising the resources to realise a product

13. Planning the efficient use of materials, energy and other resources required to make a product

14. Realising a product using appropriate tools and equipment

15. Applying the health and safety procedures required in a school workshop or practical area

16. Applying appropriate tests to assess the success of a product

17. Proposing further improvements to a product.