Lesson Objective

By the end of this unit you should have developed a knowledge and understanding of:

• the stages of a range of design processes in order to apply personal judgement and relevant criteria in the appraisal of products and systems

• the stages of the design processes used in the NEA

• how to demonstrate the development of a prototype from design proposals

• how different design methodologies are used by designers in the corporate world when designing products

• the cyclic nature of the iterative design process

 Introduction

A design process is a system that organises how a prototype (in a school or college) or a product (in the commercial world) is developed. There are several different design process models that can be used but they all begin with the identification of a design problem (needs or wants of a specific user or target market).

Identification of the problem or opportunity 

Design activity begins as a result of identifying a problem sometime referred to as a ‘situation’. Designers may identify the problem themselves, but it is more likely that it will be given to them by the client or marketing department. Regardless, it will be the designer’s job to provide a creative solution to that problem. They may also identify an opportunity to design a product or service that will be beneficial or potentially lucrative.

Why do we design?

Design is a process which is often described as ‘solving a problem’ but this is not the only reason. Design is a process that advances us from a situation which is less than ideal, to another which is more advantageous for the client or user.

There are several reasons we undertake a process of design but generally we are developing a solution from one of these starting points:

‘What we need we require, what we want we desire’

Use of a design process

The design brief

Following the identification of a design problem/situation, the next step is to investigate the context in order to formulate a design brief.

This is a detailed document that sets out what is to be designed. It may contain some specific requirements and design considerations, but it will guide the designers to provide the client with what they ultimately require. A brief can include:

• a description of the problem or need or opportunity (situation)

• images, details and information about the context

• an explanation of why a product needs developing to solve the problem

• details of the user, client or target market

Analysis of the problem

Once the problem has been identified in the brief, designers can analyse the problem; breaking it down into various sections where they can consider the various aspects of the project such as materials, target market, aesthetics etc.

This is often done through the use of mind maps.

Research

The analysis will ultimately ask questions that the designer may not know such as ‘how much should it cost?’ and ‘what materials would be best to use?’ Even an experienced designer will need to do some research in order to ensure that they are armed with all the necessary information to proceed with the design process. They may need to do further research during the design process, but they will need some information in order to produce or agree a product design specification.

Investigation and analysis

Analysis of existing products

With a design brief you will have a better understanding of the situation or problem to be (re)solved, but you still need to research into the needs, wants and values of your user and target market or to find out more about what products, materials and components are already available.

Usually the most productive methods are primary research techniques. Essentially, this is research you undertake yourself which is specific to the design project you are undertaking. It has greater value as it is specific to the task.

Secondary research, while still relevant, is often best used to gain a general idea of what is on the market or to use existing data relevant to your project. Its ‘generic’ nature can lack direct relevance to your own design project.

Investigation and analysis

Investigation and analysis of materials

Sometimes, designers may need to carry out research into materials, construction methods and finishes so that they can select the most appropriate ones to use in a project. Designers are not always material experts so it is vital to carry out such practical investigations in order to fully understand the potential, and possible limitations, of a material, component or process intended for use in the manufacture of a product

They may also need to test materials. Refer to Unit 1.1/2 for more information on materials testing.

Think of a time where the materials, components or processes you used may not have been ideal. How did you identify this and would it have helped if you tested these in the initial research stages?

Investigation and analysis

Other forms of investigation

There are a wide range of other investigations designers could use:

• meeting with client or user group

• interviews with a focus group made up of members of the target market

• talking to ‘experts’ or specialist who can offer key advice

• investigating the work of others

• investigating historical influences

• identifying current trends

• identifying design constraints

• using British Standards

• analysis of anthropometric data

• consideration of relevant social, moral, cultural and environmental factors

Inspirational methods

Mood or inspiration boards are a way of setting out the theme or feel of the project. It is not always specific research but rather a collection of themes, colours, materials and shapes etc. that give the designer a starting point for generating relevant ideas.

Inspiration boxes and job bags with product samples, swatches, sketches and cuttings from magazines can also be useful in communicating the main themes and styles of the project and can be used by the client or designer.

Handling collections are collections of products, materials, components and other objects that can literally be handled for research or discussion. These can be used to generate new ideas, to get a feel for what already exists on the market (or has historically) and for critical analysis to see how products can be improved or repurposed.

Developing ideas through discussion

One of the main methods that can be used to develop ideas is to discuss designs with a client. This should be an integral part of the design process in industry and in your NEA.

The best way to do this is to sketch or model initial concepts and then obtain feedback on these before proceeding with the design. The feedback should be noted so it can be referred to during further development of the design.

This is another aspect linked to User Centred Design (UCD) covered in Unit 2.1 especially if the client is also likely to be the user.

Development of a design proposal

After carrying out an investigation and analysing research, it is possible to develop a product design specification. This is a list of requirements that a design must meet and was covered in more detail in Unit 1.8.

It is useful to refer to Pugh’s plates and a simplified version:

• Environment (consider impact on the environment; 6 R’s etc.)

• Testing (consider how it will be tested)

• Safety (consider all relevant safety standards) 

• Product life span (consider how long the product should last: see durability)

• Materials (consider the key materials properties including manufacture)

• Ergonomics (consider how the product will interact with users/humans)

• Aesthetics (consider form, shape, proportion etc.)

• Performance (consider how well the design must function)

• Product cost (consider the cost of all restrictions; materials, labour, manufacture)

• Time scale (consider the project deadline)

• Size and weight (consider all size and weight restrictions)

• Maintenance (consider how the product will be maintained/repaired)

Generating Ideas

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Illustrating ideas

Methods of illustrating ideas are covered in Unit 1.14 but the following is a summary of techniques that can be used in the design process:

• isometric drawings used to sketch out ideas with a more technical look. Horizontal edges at 30 degrees.

• one-point perspective to show building or room interiors

• two-point perspective to show object more realistically

• exploded views to show how more complex assemblies are made up of components

• marker rendering to represent colour, texture and surface finish

• sectional views to show the cross section of objects or to reveal internal details

• orthographic projections to show the final design from the front, end and plan views

• flow charts to show the sequence of events

• 3D CAD to give a photorealistic impressions of the final product

• 2D CAD for cutting parts out on a CNC router or laser cutter