Problem Analysis

Problem Analysis

A Problem Analysis 'plan' is of the areas that you should research and consider - things that you need to know if you are going to successfully solve the problem, so therefore a series of questions that you pose / ask (that you need to find the answers to).

This could take the form of a bullet point list of questions, separated into sub-sections, that identifies areas of research and questions that you need to investigate / research, to solve your project. Your research 'plan' needs to be targeted and relevant, not generic, and it should focus on the problem, product and user needs in order to find out useful information that will help you make decisions about what you intend to design and make. Listed below are some starter points that you could consider using on your Problem Analysis plan / bullet point question list:

Existing Solutions, User, Materials, Aesthetics, Design, Form, Function, Environmental issues, Cost, Components, Construction technology, Price Ranges, Economics, Safety, Size, Ergonomics, Anthropometrics, Industrial Practices & Processes, Finish, new technologies, new manufacturing processes, new materials etc. 

You could also comment / write questions on:

Manufacture processes - What processes may you need to know about in order for your design to be manufactured? Are you intending to solve the problem and manufacture your final designs using any CAD or CAM? 

Existing Solutions - What products are already available on the market? What are the features of these products that make them good or bad? What are the best selling products (use Lazada / Amazon ratings or best selling) and ask why?

Anthropometrics - Anthropometrics are the measurements of the average person / man / woman / baby etc. that help designers decide what size to design products and make them more ergonomic (see below). 

Ergonomics - describes how people interact with products. If a product is comfortable it could be described as being ergonomic. It is linked to anthropometrics and size.

Environmental issues - comment on the environmental issues you could consider. Use of recycled materials, reducing the amount of materials your product uses, design for disassembly, using renewable energy sources, solar panels, wind up power, wind power etc. This could also link to manufacture e.g. where a product is manufactured will affect how environmentally friendly it is if it has to be shipped to a different country after manufacture.

You could also use an analysis strategy to help you do this, such as the 5W’s. This is Who will use the product? Where will the product be used? Why is the product needed? What precisely does the product have to do? When will the product be used?

Of course, you could use Chat GPT to help you generate a list of areas to research if you use clever prompts. 

Here is a step by step of asking Chat GPT for help with the following project idea: 

'I am considering designing and manufacturing a Bluetooth amplifier or speaker, for a client that lives in Bangkok and who has expensive tastes. They like luxury products using high end, niche materials and generally a minimalistic styling. Could you give me more design suggestions based around this starting point and what I need to research?'

I then asked Chat GPT the following prompt:

'Thank you for these results. That is really helpful for me. Could you help me compile a list of 40 questions of areas that I need to investigate and research to make sure that I can make the final product work?' 

It produced this list of potential questions for the Problem Analysis:

1. What are the different types of Bluetooth audio technologies available?

2. How does Class D amplification work, and what are its advantages?

3. What are the key features and specifications to consider when selecting Bluetooth modules or chipsets?

4. How can the amplifier or speaker ensure a stable and strong Bluetooth connection?

5. What is the typical range for Bluetooth connectivity, and how can it be optimized?

6. How can you incorporate WiFi or NFC connectivity into the amplifier or speaker?

7. What are the best practices for designing a user-friendly and intuitive touch control interface?

8. Are there any industry standards or guidelines for Bluetooth amplifier or speaker design?

9. What are the key considerations for achieving high-quality audio reproduction?

10. How can you ensure power efficiency without compromising sound quality?

11. What are the common challenges in designing compact and sleek amplifier or speaker enclosures?

12. Which materials offer the best combination of durability and aesthetic appeal for the casing?

13. What are the different methods for manufacturing amplifier or speaker enclosures?

14. Are there any regulations or safety standards specific to Bluetooth audio devices?

15. How can you optimize the sound output for different types of music or audio content?

16. What are the key factors to consider when selecting and positioning speakers within the enclosure?

17. What are the common audio codecs used in Bluetooth audio streaming, and what are their pros and cons?

18. Are there any techniques for enhancing bass response in a compact speaker design?

19. How can you achieve a balanced audio output across different frequency ranges?

20. What are the typical power requirements for Bluetooth amplifiers or speakers?

21. What are the best practices for power management and energy efficiency?

22. How can you ensure compatibility with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices?

23. Are there any specific considerations for incorporating branding elements into the design?

24. What are the current trends in luxury product design that could be incorporated into the amplifier or speaker?

25. How can you optimize the amplifier or speaker's design for the client's living spaces and existing decor?

26. Are there any design considerations specific to hardwood, brushed aluminum, or high-quality acrylic materials?

27. What are the common manufacturing challenges and considerations for CNC machining or 3D printing?

28. Are there any cost-effective alternatives to high-end materials that can achieve a similar aesthetic appeal?

29. How can you ensure easy maintenance and cleaning of the amplifier or speaker?

30. What are the typical product lifespan and warranty expectations for Bluetooth amplifiers or speakers?

31. How can you gather and analyze user feedback to improve future iterations of the product?

32. Are there any specific quality control tests or certifications that the product should undergo?

33. What are the potential environmental impacts of the product's design and manufacturing process?

34. How can you address any potential safety concerns related to electrical components or battery usage?

35. What are the current market trends and competitive landscape for Bluetooth amplifiers or speakers?

36. How can you effectively position and market the product as a luxury offering for the client's target audience?

37. Are there any intellectual property considerations or patent infringements to be aware of in the design process?

38. What are the best channels for sourcing high-quality components and materials for the product?

39. How can you ensure a smooth production process and manage any potential supply chain issues?

40. What are the pricing considerations and profit margins for luxury Bluetooth amplifiers or speakers?

Not all of these questions are what I want to see so I refined my prompt further by aksing specifically for questions on materials and ergonomics. Chapt GPT then produced these further questions of areas that I should investigate if I want to solve my project idea. Some of these questions below are great!

Thank you. Could you please add some more questions to investigate about the materials I can use and also ergonomics?

Certainly! Here are additional questions specifically related to materials and ergonomics for your investigation:

Materials:

1. What are the unique characteristics and properties of hardwoods that make them suitable for the amplifier or speaker's casing?

2. Are there specific types of hardwood that offer better acoustic properties or durability?

3. What are the different finishes and treatments available for hardwood to enhance its aesthetic appeal and protection?

4. What are the considerations when working with brushed aluminum in terms of manufacturing, durability, and aesthetics?

5. Are there alternative materials to high-quality acrylic that can provide similar visual effects and durability?

6. How do different materials affect the overall weight and portability of the amplifier or speaker?

7. Can you source sustainable or eco-friendly versions of the desired materials?

8. Are there any limitations or challenges in terms of availability or cost for the chosen materials?

Ergonomics:

1. What are the key ergonomic considerations when designing the amplifier or speaker controls for user comfort and ease of use?

2. How can the placement and design of the controls optimize user interaction and minimize accidental adjustments?

3. Are there any specific guidelines or standards for ergonomic design in audio equipment?

4. What are the considerations for button size, spacing, and tactile feedback to ensure intuitive operation?

5. Can you incorporate features like backlit buttons or touch-sensitive surfaces for improved usability in low-light environments?

6. How can the shape and weight distribution of the amplifier or speaker contribute to comfortable handling and portability?

7. Are there any ergonomic challenges to consider when designing the amplifier or speaker for placement in different living spaces?

8. Can you integrate adjustable components, such as tilting stands or adjustable heights, to accommodate different user preferences or room setups?

These additional questions should help you delve deeper into materials selection and ergonomics, allowing you to make informed decisions and optimize the design of your Bluetooth amplifier or speaker.

The examples below have not used ChatGPT and each student just thought about their project and what they would need to find out about in order to solve the problem.