1.8 Requirements for product design and development

Successful product design and development requires an understanding of…

• the product and its intended purpose

• existing solutions

• similar problems to use to guide their own development of future solutions

What is good design?

It is subjective but can be calculated by checking if a product meets the criteria laid out in a product design specification

What are Dieter Rams’ 10 principles of good design?

1. Good design is innovative

2. Good design makes a product useful

3. Good design is aesthetic

4. Good design makes a product understandable

5. Good design is unobtrusive

6. Good design is honest

7. Good design is long-lasting

8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail

9. Good design is environmentally-friendly

10. Good design is as little design as possible

What are the 12 criteria must a PDS address?

1. Environment

2. Testing

3. Safety (standards and legislation)

4. Product life span

5. Materials

6. Ergonomics

7. Aesthetics

8. Performance

9. Product cost

10. Time scale

11. Size and weight (restrictions)

12. Maintenance

9 methods of critical analysis of existing products

1. Product analysis (first-hand interaction)

2. Function (how well does it do its job)

3. Task analysis (how does it do its job and what is missing)

4. Ergonomics (user interactions)

5. Aesthetics (influences from past design movements?)

6. Materials (properties, cost and manufacture methods)

7. Manufacture/process (assembly of components)

8. Scale of production (suitability of processes)

9. Environmental impact (from beginning to end of life)

5 types of modelling methods

1. Initial concept generation (2D/3D sketches)

2. Block modelling (using lightweight compliant materials like Styrofoam)

3. Visual appearance models (aesthetic form and appearance)

4. Working prototypes (mechanisms)

5. Rapid prototype (3D CAD software, tested with CFD or FEA)

How do simple geometric forms impact design and production?

They increase the ease of manufacture, reduce complexity in machining, and aid in producing accurate repeatable products.

Why are fully dimensioned drawings necessary for production?

They ensure communication across different departments and show that components can be assembled effectively.

How should the level of dimensional accuracy in design development align?

It must be in line with the production facilities available

What are 6 factors to consider for the aesthetics of a product?

1. Shape and form (aerodynamics, influence from design movements)

2. Proportion

3. (A)symmetry (visual balance, inclusivity in handheld products for lefties and righties

4. Symbols and ideograms (culturally sensitive, red symbolizes luck in China but associated with communism in former Eastern Bloc countries)

5. Colour and texture (braille?)

6. Anthropomorphism (emotional connection with a product)

What are 7 factors to consider in the ergonomics of a product?

1. Movements and forces of the product

2. Shape and form of the areas that a user will directly interact with

3. Appropriate materials (how does it feel)

4. Appropriate colour schemes (cultural sensitivity)

5. Appropriate symbols (warnings)

6. Anthropometric data for possible users

7. Range of differing abilities for each user

What are some design considerations for control interfaces?

1. Easy to reach

2. Easy to grip

3. Prompt increased grip (mould texture application/elastomer over mouldings)

4. Easy to access and operate (at all times)

5. Pressure required suitable for all users

6. Varying shapes and sizes (identifiable by touch for visual impaired)

7. Large clear labels of a contrasting colour to background

8. Tactile markings easy to locate (blind people)

9. Important info shown in a variety of way (sounds, symbols, lights)

What are 6 factors to consider with the anthropometrics of a product?

1. Body Size and Shape

2. Posture, movement, range of motion

3. Grip and Reach (different hand sizes, strength, and reach capabilities)

4. Force and Load (physical strength and capacity of users)

5. User Diversity (differences in age, gender, and abilities)

6. Clearances and Accessibility (sufficient space for users to comfortably operate the product)

Define inclusive design

Designing products that allow the maximum number of possible users to successfully use the product without discomfort

Define empathetic design

the process of simulating conditions experienced by potential users of products to assist the development of successful products