TASK 7 | DESIGN SPECIFICATION
TASK 7 | DESIGN SPECIFICATION
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TASK
A design specification is a list of specific criteria that outline what your product must have, do and be.
For each category, list what your product should have, do and be - specific to the brief and your chosen impairment and daily task.
Use your research to form this specification - what did you discover that is both crucial and desirable?
e.g. "Must be able to house a bird sized 30 x 60 x 70 mm"
WHAT MAKES FOR A 'GOOD' DESIGN SPECIFICATION?
A successful design specification is clear, measurable, and detailed, providing specific criteria that guide the design process. It outlines essential features, functionality, and user requirements, ensuring the final product meets its intended purpose. By being thorough and precise, the specification helps designers create solutions that effectively address user needs and expectations.
AVERAGE EXAMPLE
Note how much more specific the criteria for Function are on the second example (right). These criteria are much easier to follow when designing and to test against once prototyping.
STRONGER EXAMPLE
EXAMPLE DESIGN SPECIFICATION [HIGH LEVEL]
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EXAMPLE DESIGN SPECIFICATION [HIGH LEVEL]
(CLICK TO DROP DOWN)
EXEMPLARY EXAMPLE [PRODUCT TO HELP THE BLIND WIITH PREPARING FOOD]
MASTERY EXAMPLE: specification for a can opener to be used by arthritis sufferers
KEY VOCABULARY
KEY VOCABULARY
Inclusive: Ensuring that products or environments are accessible and usable by as many people as possible, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds.
Ergonomics: The study of how people interact with products and environments, with the goal of improving comfort, efficiency, and safety.
Anthropometrics: The measurement of the human body's dimensions and applying these measurements to design products that fit people well.
Physiological Factors: Aspects related to the physical needs and capabilities of users, such as strength, dexterity, and sensory abilities.
Psychological Factors: Aspects related to the mental and emotional needs of users, such as ease of use, comfort, and satisfaction.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings or experiences of others, crucial in designing products that meet users' needs.
Personae: Fictional characters representing different user types, used to guide design decisions by focusing on specific user needs and behaviours.
Iterate: The process of repeatedly refining and improving a design or idea based on feedback and testing.
Define: Clearly stating the problem or challenge that needs to be addressed in the design process.
Evaluate: Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of a design, often through testing and gathering feedback, to determine its effectiveness.
Analyse: Breaking down a product or problem into its key components to understand how it works or to identify potential improvements.
Justify: Providing reasons or explanations for decisions made during the design process, often supported by evidence or research.
Immersive: Creating a highly engaging and realistic experience that allows users to fully engage with a product or environment, often used in testing.
Specification: A detailed list of requirements and criteria that a design must meet, serving as a guideline for development.
Ideate: The creative process of generating a wide range of ideas and solutions to address a design challenge.
CHECKLIST:
Criteria are relevant
Criteria are measurable
Criteria are research-driven
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