A good design brief is the most critical part of your A level coursework major project. It sets the scope (range), provides a clear focus for your project, and allows you to justify every decision you make throughout the design process. Think of it as a project 'roadmap'. It is a statement of the problem and the constraints you must work within to find a solution.

Your Design Brief should be a concise statement of intent that clearly outlines your project's purpose and its key requirements. It should be:

Problem-focused: It should identify the specific need or opportunity of a real-world context that you have identified earlier in your project.

Targeted: It should clearly define who the product is for - a User / User group.

Comprehensive: It should include all the necessary criteria for success, covering aesthetic, functional, and manufacturing in quantity considerations.

The following sections are essential for an excellent Design Brief.

State the Problem: Begin with a clear, concise statement of the problem or opportunity / need / want that you are trying to solve. This should be based on your initial research that you have conducted (Existing Products etc.). Why does your 'product' need to exist?

Identify the User Need: Explain the human need behind the problem. For example, "Home workers need a better way to organise their desks to improve productivity and reduce stress."

Provide Background Information: Briefly discuss the current situation or existing solutions. This shows you have a strong understanding of the context.

Introduction and Context

The rise of hybrid and remote work since Covid has led to a significant increase in the number of people working from home. A common challenge faced by these individuals is the lack of a dedicated, organised workspace. Desks often become cluttered with a mix of technology, stationery, and personal items, leading to a stressful and unproductive environment. Existing desk organisers often lack aesthetic appeal, are made from unsustainable plastics, or fail to provide a modular solution that can adapt to the user's changing needs. There is a clear opportunity to design and produce a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable product to solve this widespread problem.

This is a single, powerful sentence or short paragraph that summarises the entire project. It should state what you will design and for whom.

Example: "To design and physically prototype a modular, sustainable desk organisation system for young, environmentally conscious professionals who work from home, demonstrating proficiency in a range of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques, with a view to small-batch production."

To design and manufacture a modular, sustainable desk organisation system for young, environmentally conscious professionals (aged 25-45) who work from home. The final product must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in a range of practical skills, and the design process must incorporate a plan for small batch production.

Who is your product for? Be as specific as possible.

Demographics: Age, occupation, income level.

Psychographics: Hobbies, lifestyle, values, environmental consciousness.

User Needs: What are the user's specific requirements that your product must address?

The product is aimed at young professionals, aged 25-45, who work from a home office or a dedicated workspace in their home. They are digitally literate, value both form and function, and are socially and environmentally conscious, preferring products made from sustainable, ethically sourced materials. They appreciate minimalist and modern aesthetics and are willing to invest in high-quality, durable goods.

List all limitations that will affect your project.

Examples: Time limits, budget, access to specific tools/machinery in your workshop, material availability.

Time: The entire project, including research, design, manufacturing, and evaluation, must be completed within the allocated time (Songkran) for the major project.

Budget: A strict budget of 4000 Baht for materials.

Workshop Access: Access to workshop equipment is limited to school hours.

Tooling: All manufacturing will be limited to the tools and machines available in the school workshop.

Summarise how you will know your project is a success. This is a final check that your design brief is robust and that your final product can be objectively evaluated against it.

Introduction and Context

The rise of hybrid and remote work has led to a significant increase in the number of people working from home. A common challenge faced by these individuals is the lack of a dedicated, organised workspace. Desks often become cluttered with a mix of technology, stationery, and personal items, leading to a stressful and unproductive environment. Existing desk organisers often lack aesthetic appeal, are made from unsustainable plastics, or fail to provide a modular solution that can adapt to the user's changing needs. There is a clear opportunity to design and produce a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and adaptable product to solve this widespread problem.

To design and manufacture a modular, sustainable desk organisation system for young, environmentally conscious professionals (aged 25-45) who work from home. The final product must demonstrate a high degree of proficiency in a range of practical skills, and the design process must incorporate a plan for small batch production.

Target Market and End User Profile

The product is aimed at young professionals, aged 25-45, who work from a home office or a dedicated workspace in their home. They are digitally literate, value both form and function, and are socially and environmentally conscious, preferring products made from sustainable, ethically sourced materials. They appreciate minimalist and modern aesthetics and are willing to invest in high-quality, durable goods.

Design Brief Specifications - these are more simplified than the actual Design Specification

• Aesthetics: The product will feature a clean, minimalist design with a modern, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. The final prototype will be finished to a professional standard, with a smooth, tactile feel.

• Function: The organiser will be a modular system with at least three separate, interlocking components that can be configured by the user. It must be capable of holding a smartphone, a pen, and a small notebook (A5​ or similar).

• Ergonomics: The design will allow for easy access to all stored items with minimal effort. All modules will have a non-slip base to ensure stability.

• Materials: The product will be made entirely from sustainable, ethically sourced materials. The primary material will be a single type of wood, such as bamboo or reclaimed timber.

• Safety: The final product will have no sharp edges or corners. All components will be non-toxic and safe for prolonged contact.

• Cost: The cost of materials for the final prototype will not exceed 5000 Baht.

• Manufacturing: The product must be designed for small-batch production. A detailed plan for the use of jigs, templates, and repeatable processes (e.g., CNC routing) will be developed and documented.

• Skills: The final physical prototype must demonstrate proficiency in at least three different workshop skills, including but not limited to: accurate cutting (e.g., using a bandsaw or CNC), precise jointing (e.g., mortise and tenon or finger joints), and high-quality finishing (e.g., oil, wax, or varnish application).

• Time: The project will be completed within the A-level coursework submission deadlines.

Constraints and Considerations

• Time: The entire project, including research, design, manufacturing, and evaluation, must be completed within the allocated time for the major project.

• Budget: A strict budget of 4000 Baht for materials must be adhered to.

• Workshop Access: Access to workshop machinery is limited to specific school hours.

• Tooling: All manufacturing will be limited to the tools and machinery available in the school workshop.

Success Criteria

The project will be considered a success if the final, physical prototype:

• Effectively organises a desk space for a home-working professional.

• Meets the aesthetic requirements as judged by the target market.

• Successfully demonstrates a range of practical skills, including at least one complex joint.

• Adheres to the material and cost specifications.

• Includes a clear plan for small-batch manufacturing.

• Is completed within the allocated time.

design brief - Project Overview

This project aims to redesign the standard school hot glue gun to make it more ergonomic, safer, and comfortable for extended use, particularly by young students in the workshop. The redesign will address the main issue of grip, weight, balance, and ease of use, which are all ergonomic factors, and this will also therefore have an emphasis on safety features. My goal is to improve the user experience by reducing hand fatigue, increasing precision and comfort, and minimising the risk of burns or other injuries.

Objectives

1. Ergonomics: Redesign the handle and trigger to better fit a student's hand, ensuring comfort and reducing fatigue. I will give consideration to the grip texture, contouring, and trigger position.

2. Lightweight Design: Reduce the weight of the hot glue gun, making it easier for young students to hold and move without straining.

3. Safety: Integrate additional safety features such as a heat shield around the nozzle, automatic shut-off, and a stable, insulated stand. The device should maintain consistent temperature without overheating.

4. Ease of Use: Simplify the mechanism for loading glue sticks and improve control for precise glue application.

5. Aesthetics and Durability: Create an appealing, student-friendly design with a durable outer casing that can withstand accidental drops.

Target Audience (User)

The primary users of the hot glue gun will be school students aged (Y4) 8 to (Y10) 14, along with teachers who supervise D&T workshops. The hot glue gun should be optimised for children’s smaller hand sizes and lower hand strength while still being suitable for adult use.

Design Requirements

1. Handle:

   • Contoured handle designed to fit comfortably in a student’s hand.

   • Soft, non-slip material, such as a rubberised coating, to improve grip.

   • Designed with a slight angle to encourage a natural wrist position, minimising strain.

2. Trigger Mechanism:

   • Positioned to require minimal force for ease of use by children.

   • Redesigned to allow a smooth, even flow of glue with a single squeeze.

   • Possibly a two-finger trigger to distribute pressure more evenly across fingers.

3. Nozzle and Heat Shield:

   • Heat-resistant cover around the nozzle to protect hands from accidental burns.

   • Extended nozzle option for detailed work without risking contact with hot parts.

   • Automatic shut-off feature after 10 minutes of inactivity to prevent overheating.

4. Weight and Balance:

   • Reduced overall weight, aiming for a lighter material without compromising durability.

   • Balanced weight distribution to prevent the gun from feeling front-heavy, aiding in stability during use.

5. Stand and Stability:

   • An improved, wider, and more stable stand that keeps the glue gun upright when not in use.

   • Non-slip rubber base to prevent accidental tipping or sliding.

6. Ease of Glue Stick Loading:

   • Consider a larger trigger mechanism to help push glue sticks smoothly.

7. Aesthetic Design:

   • Bright, fun colors and a sleek, inviting look that appeals to young users.

   • Durable, child-safe materials that withstand frequent classroom use.

Materials and Production Requirements

• Materials: Lightweight and durable materials (e.g., ABS plastic, silicone for grip areas).

• Safety Compliance: Adherence to safety standards for electrical products used by children.

• Manufacturing Techniques: Cost-effective production methods suitable for large-scale manufacturing to ensure affordability for schools.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this project, I expect to have a prototype of a school-friendly ergonomic hot glue gun that:

• Reduces strain on young students / users' hands.

• Minimises the risk of burns or accidents.

• Is easy to use, durable, and appealing to young students and teachers.

Timeline and Budget

• Timeline: I need to design, develop and prototyping possible solutions before Songkran. I need to allow enough time for testing.

• Budget: I have allocated a price of around 2000THB

Evaluation Metrics

1. User Comfort: Feedback from user testing with students and teachers.

2. Safety Performance: Effectiveness of the stability of the stand.

3. Functionality: Ease of loading glue sticks and consistency of glue flow.

4. Aesthetic Appeal: Survey responses on design from target audience feedback.