2.4 Design processes

Flashcards based on lecture notes covering technology, cultural changes, and specific iterative design processes and methodologies.

What is the definition of a design process?

A system that organises how a prototype (in a school or college) or a product (in the commercial world) is developed.

At what point do all design process models typically start?

With the identification of a design problem, which focuses on the needs or wants of a specific user or target market.

In a design brief, what is the 'situation'?

A description of the problem or need.

What does a design brief explain regarding existing products?

Why existing products are not suitable or do not meet the needs of the user.

What are primary research techniques?

Investigation methods using first-hand sources, such as interviews, observation, and disassembly of products.

How can designers identify potential areas for improvement in existing products?

By observing people in similar environments using similar products to identify weaknesses.

What is the purpose of taking an existing product apart during analysis?

To work out how the product functions, identify vital components, materials used, and how it is manufactured.

What specific characteristic do designers test for using the Izod impact test?

The toughness or brittleness of materials.

Describe the mechanism of the Izod impact test.

A heavy pendulum is struck into a notched test piece, and the amount of energy absorbed is recorded.

How can the toughness of materials be simulated in a school workshop?

By striking samples held in a vice with a hammer from a set distance away.

What does an abrasion test determine?

The 'wear resistance' of materials.

How is an abrasion test conducted?

Sample material is fixed to a wooden block and rubbed against a block covered in glass paper.

Why do designers investigate British Standards during the research phase?

To ensure the product being developed complies with relevant regulations and safety requirements.

What is the purpose of conducting an analysis of anthropometric data?

To ensure the product will 'fit' the relevant consumers.

What is an inspiration board (or mood board)?

A collage of images relating to the product, including colours, styles, and other inspirational images.

What materials are typically found in an 'inspiration box'?

Swatches, colour samples, sample materials, and existing products.

What is a 'job bag' in the context of design investigations?

A collection of cuttings from newspapers, magazines, sketches, material samples, components, and products.

What is the benefit of using a mind map during ideas generation?

It helps designers think about factors influencing the design and can form a checklist for development.

What does the 'S' in the SCAMPER technique stand for?

Substitute: change materials, components, or finishes.

What does the 'C' in the SCAMPER technique represent?

Combine: mix ideas or parts of ideas together.

What does the 'A' in the SCAMPER technique stand for?

Adapt: alter the design, use part of another idea, or change the function.

What does the 'M' in the SCAMPER technique represent?

Modify: change the shape of the design or increase/decrease the size.

What does the 'P' in the SCAMPER technique represent?

Put to another use: finding alternative uses or different functions for a design.

What does the 'E' in the SCAMPER technique represent?

Eliminate: remove and reduce parts to simplify the design.

What does the 'R' in the SCAMPER technique stand for?

Reverse: turn the design inside out or upside down.

Why is collaboration used in the design work for a project in industry?

To utilize the expertise and creative minds of the whole team, resulting in a better product than one created by a single designer.

Describe the $4 \times 4$ Design Activity introduced by DATA.

One person draws an idea; the sheet is passed to a second person to develop it further, repeating until there are $4$ completed drawings.

Who developed the 'thinking hats' technique?

Edward de Bono.

In the 'thinking hats' technique, what does the white hat represent?

Facts and essential information.

What is the focus of the red hat in creative discussion?

Feelings and emotions, which can be subjective and rational.

What does the yellow hat encourage the wearer to do?

Think positively about an idea and justify their statements.

What is the purpose of the black hat in the thinking hats technique?

To discuss negative aspects and put opposing views forward.

What does the green hat represent in group discussion?

Creativity and thinking about unconventional solutions.

What is the role of the wearer of the blue hat?

Directing the discussion, summarizing key points, and making decisions.

How should feedback from a client or target market be handled during development?

It should be written down and used to further develop the most popular design.

What is the primary use of isometric drawing in the design process?

To sketch design ideas.

When is one-point perspective drawing most useful?

To show buildings or room interiors.

What is the purpose of two-point perspective?

To draw objects from a range of different viewing angles.

What do exploded views show?

The relationship of parts of a product and how they assemble.

Why do designers use marker rendering?

To represent colour and materials or finishes on design drawings.

What is a sectional view used for?

To show the cross section of an object, revealing hidden details like holes and slots.

What specific views are shown in an orthographic drawing?

Front, plan, and end views of an object, usually drawn to scale.

What is the function of a flow chart in a manufacturing process?

To show the sequence of the process and illustrate the QC (Quality Control) stages.

How is $3D$ CAD used to communicate with a client?

To provide an artist's impression of designs or create a virtual model.

What is the purpose of $2D$ CAD in production?

To draw parts for cutting or machining on computer-controlled equipment.

Define a design specification.

A list of requirements that a design must meet, which can also include desirable features.

In a specification, what does the sustainability section cover?

Materials and manufacturing methods used, their environmental impact, and recyclability.

In a specification, what does the maintenance section address?

The service life of the product and whether it needs to be maintained or is disposable.

How is ergonomics addressed in a product specification?

Considering how people interact with the product, body sizes, ease of use, and posture.

Name five compliant materials used for modelling.

Paper, card, Styrofoam, clay, and foamboard.

Why are cardboard and paper ideal for quick sketch models?

They can be easily cut, folded, and glued.

Why would a designer make a full-size model?

To check sizes and proportions, test ergonomics, or check function before using expensive materials.

What should be done after making a model to support design development?

Photograph the models and explain what was learned regarding shape, size, or construction.

How can designers manage time and track project stages?

By producing a spreadsheet timeline to indicate main stages and key completion dates.

What is concurrent manufacturing?

A process where different stages of production are carried out at the same time, such as preparing sub-assemblies for a car.

What is the purpose of a Critical Path Analysis (CP) diagram?

To show key stages, critical points of manufacturing, and how concurrent steps converge into the final assembly.

Why are flow process charts used in production planning?

To plan operations and timings to reduce idle time and maximize efficiency.

When should evaluation and testing occur?

It should be an ongoing activity all the way through the design process.

How is a prototype evaluated after completion?

By a detailed comparison of the product against every criterion in the specification.

What is 'third party feedback'?

Obtaining evaluative comments from potential users of the product.

What is the role of an ergonomist in a design team?

To ensure that the product is usable by the target market.

What are production designers responsible for in industry?

Developing the tooling required to manufacture the product.

How do design teams work with product marketing teams?

Marketing teams promote the product and provide clear insights into the needs and wants of potential users.

Explain the cyclic nature of commercial design.

Designers constantly evaluate with clients, create new iterations based on feedback, and even refine products after they hit the market.

Why must designers in large businesses be aware of market trends?

To know when a product range needs to be refreshed to improve sales.

What makes iterative design different from a linear model?

Findings from testing and evaluation become the starting point for a new design cycle rather than ending at the prototype.

What is the advantage of working collaboratively on challenging designs?

It allows designers to use the expertise, skills, and knowledge of others to develop more innovative products.

In a specification, what is a target cost?

The specific cost limit for the product, influenced by choice of material and making method.

In a specification, what is the role of quality?

Defining reliability and identifying relevant British or European Standards.

Why are warning labels part of a design specification?

To minimize potential hazards and ensure safe use of the product.

What does a model represent in design key terms?

Either a $3D$ CAD drawing or a physical mock-up used to communicate or improve design aspects.

What role does the Design and Technology Association (DATA) play in specified design methods?

They introduced the $4 \times 4$ Design Activity technique used in schools and colleges.

What is a 'specification' defined as technically in the key terms?

A list of key points that a designer follows when developing designs and making prototypes.

What does the transcript suggest regarding project management saved files?

Save each version of computer designs to show how drawings develop and always back up files.

What does investigation of historical influences inspire?

Product styling.

What is the 'wear resistance' test called?

Abrasion test.

What kind of feedback is obtained from specialists like manufacturers or retailers?

'Expert' opinion.

Which 'hat' in De Bono's system focuses on seeking information and finding how to get it?

The white hat.

How can a designer use photographs to further develop a design?

By sketching development work over printed photographs of models.

Why is it important to experiment with materials before making a final prototype?

To test construction methods and evaluate their suitability.