Design Principles (note + flashcard)

In this note, you will find information about what you need to know to create a design.

Information: click the arrow to view the information

Big idea: There are several factors that significantly influence the design process

Characteristics of Design:

• Design is essential action in engineering and is a primary component of product development
• Good design focuses on efficiency during product development and use by consumer
• Design problems seldom arise in a clearly defined form

Characterizing Design:

• Design is often driven by profit motive and the market
• Good design incorporates the principles of universal design and artistic design

Principles of design:

• Universal design states that all engineered products and environments be usable by all people without the need for modification

• Reducing the need for adaptation or specializing a product post-development

• There are seven main factors

  • Equitable use: the design is useful to people with diverse abilities
  • Flexibility in use: the design meets a wide range of individual preferences and abilities
  • Simple and Intuitive use: the design is easy to understand and use
  • Perceptible information: the design communicates necessary information to the user
  • Tolerance in error: the design reduces hazards in use or accidental use
  • Low physical effort:  the design can be used efficiently and comfortably
  • Size and space for approach and use:  the design is appropriate for all users regardless of their body type

  Artistic Design:

  • For products to be successful, they must be visually appealing
  • Basic principles of art:
  • Balance: can be symmetrical or asymmetrical
  • Contrast: a change in the product’s color or a value to distinguish the elements of the design
  • Center of interest(emphasis): the area that first attracts the user to the product
  • Directional movement: the visual flow as the user manipulates the product
  • Harmony: how the product interacts with the surrounding environment
  • Rhythm: the re-occurrence of elements within the product