1.14 - Design communication

P1 - Technical principles

methods used to communicate design proposals

• visual methods - mood boards, photos, technical drawings

• written methods - reports, summaries, evaluations, annotations

• numerical methods - charts, graphs, tables

can combine these methods

items of a formal report - report abstract

a brief summary of the report

• helps the reader quickly grasp the content

report writing

formal documents that contain detailed info about proposed designs

• shared with coworkers and clients - must consider readers

• presented in standard format

• should be easily understandable

items of a formal report - introduction

• explanation for design context

• project objectives

items of a formal report - explanations

• explain how ideas were tested and developed

items of a formal report - prototype

description of prototype and its main features

items of a formal report - relevant issues

• safety issues or hazards

• about design or product manufacture

items of a formal report - associated costs

about costs associated with the design

• possible modifications

items of a formal report - environmental impact

• impact of sourcing materials

• methods of production

• possible modifications

items of a formal report - manufacturability

• notes about manufacturability of design

• possible modifications or improvements

items of a formal report - summary of results

• results pop testing final design against criteria

• prototype trials

• customer feedback

items of a formal report - conclusions

• analysis of strengths and weaknesses of design

• suggested improvements

items of a formal report - appendix

• further details about any data mentioned

items of a formal report - bibliography

references of information sources used in the report

graphs - use in communication

present numerical data visually in an easily understandable way

• how how data changes over time

• y axis - unit of measurement, x axis - at bottom of graph

tables - use in communication

organise data in a clear answer structured way

• allow interpretation of data, identify patterns/missing data

• e.g recording a table of research analysis

charts - use in communication

visual representation of factual/statistical data collected through research and testing

• make large quantities of data easier to read

• some more useful for certain purposes

• e.g. - pie chart for percentages

• donut charts, radar charts, scatter diagrams

radar chart

a chart with a central point and radiating arms

• displays multiple sets of data on a single chart

histogram

a chart with bars used to show the distribution of numerical data

histograms - use in communication

show variables and present qualitative data

• look similar to bar charts - but there are used to compare data not show distribution

2d sketching

quick, used to communicate designers initial ideas to members of the design team

• also shown to those involved in development, costing and production

3d sketching

used to add more detail, develops concepts further

• makes ideas more concrete

• elaborates on details - shape, style, pattern, colour, texture

• provides a shared vision for the whole design team

Pantone colour matching

• used by designers to communicate specific colours they want

• universally understood reference point - allows selection of exact colour

rendering

adding colour, shade, tone, texture to a drawing

mixed media to enhance drawings

• base = sketching surface, drawing, collages, paper/card

• medium = graphite, colour pencil, chalk, charcoal, ink, paint

• mixed media = combination e.g. painted paper and magazines for a collage, textures with wax resist and water colour

• rendering = can be used for 3d effects

working drawings

precise, technical drawings that communicate dimensions of a product to a manufacturer

working drawings - features included

• front and back view

• design features

• accurate measurements

• position of pockets/buttons/zips

• closeups of fine details

• stitching/trim details

geometry

field of maths concerned with shapes and their properties

• used in fashion design for aesthetic appeal

• e.g. godet skirts, v necks, asymmetrical hems

geometry - use in communication

• used in technical specifications - for accuracy and clothes structures

• can transform 2d templates into 3d e.g darts