IB DT: Topic 3.1: Conceptual modelling (copy)

credits https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Oovg0lcuOOoGdyvP-bLjrWJGA6M2jJPVmyIl3SNXqnE/present?slide=id.g261d6db5faa_0_194

What is a conceptual model?

A representation of a system that originates in the mind and its primary purpose is to outline the principles, processes, relationships and basic functions of a design of system.

What do designers use conceptual modelling for?

To assist their understanding by simulating the subject matter they represent

What are some examples of conceptual models?

How is a flowchart a conceptual model?

A schematic representation of a process. An abstracted representation of an algorithm, or the step-by-step solution of a problem, using suitably annotated geometric figures connected by flow lines.

What usually needs to be included in a conceptual model?

• Major design metaphors and analogies

• Concepts the system exposes to users

• Relationships between these concepts

• Mappings between the concepts and the task-domain the system is designed to support

How can conceptual modelling aid service design?

• The activity of planning and organising people, infrastructure, communication and material components

• Helps designers design according to the needs of customers or participants, so that the service is user-friendly, competitive and relevant to customers

How can conceptual modelling aid systems design?

• An abstract representation of the data flows, inputs and outputs of the system

• Conceptual modelling helps through the creation of an over-abstract, graphical model of an actual system

How can conceptual modelling aid product design?

• Allows designers to conceptualise and evaluate ideas, turning them into tangible inventions and products.

• Helps the product designer to combines art, science and technology to create new products that users can understand, which are functional, and which have aesthetic appeal.

How can conceptual models be useful in visualising a concept?

Useful for communicating new ideas which are unfamiliar to people. They don’t contain a lot of the detail of how an idea will work, focusing more on introducing people to a new way of thinking.

What is design thinking?

Generating empathy for the context of a problem, creativity in the generation of insights and solutions, and rationality in analysing and fitting various solutions to the problem context

What is affordance and uasbility?

The opportunity for users to successfully interact with objects, systems and environments. The visual cues that the designer includes, providing the clues that show how the design functions.

What are the advantages of conceptual modelling?

• Shares big picture

• Makes it easy for non-designers and non-technical people to understand a complex idea

• Communication with clients, users and team members

• Ability to manipulate ideas better than drawings alone

• Helps establish proportion

• Gauge peoples reaction to concept or idea

What are the disadvantages of conceptual modelling?

• Lacks detail

• Can be misinterpreted

• Scale models can be misleading

• Materials may not reflect the final choice of materials (difficult to emulate)

• Simplicity can lead to vital aspects being left out