Summary of Research

User Interview Analysis

This section should capture the core needs and wants of your User. Don't just list their answers; interpret them.

• Key User Needs: What are the non-negotiable requirements? What problem is the product trying to solve for the user? For example, "The user needs a product that is portable and durable for outdoor use."

• Wants and Preferences: What are their "nice-to-have" requests? This could be specific aesthetics, materials, or features. For example, "The user would prefer a minimalist aesthetic and a sustainable material like bamboo."

• Constraints: What limitations did the user mention? This could be a budget, timeline, or size constraint. For example, "The product must not exceed a 2000THB manufacturing cost and must be ready by Songkran."

Existing Product Analysis (Primary and Secondary)

Here, you should demonstrate that you understand the current market and what's already out there.

• Market Overview: Briefly describe the general 'landscape' of products similar to what you are designing.

• Strengths of Existing Products: What do the current products do well? What features are effective? Use specific examples from your research. For example, "Product X has a very effective folding mechanism, making it highly portable."

• Weaknesses / Gaps in the Market: What are the 'shortcomings' of existing products? What problems do they fail to solve? This is the most crucial part, as it's where your design will add value. For example, "Most products in this category are not waterproof, which is a major issue for the target user."

• Identified Opportunities: Based on the gaps you found, what is the opportunity for your design? This is your chance to state your unique selling proposition (USP). For example, "There is a clear opportunity to design a waterproof and portable version of this product."

Component and Materials Research

This section shows you have started thinking about the physical realisation of your project.

• Justification for Components: Why have you chosen certain components? Explain the function and benefits of each. For example, "The research shows that a lithium-ion battery is the most suitable power source due to its high energy density and light weight."

• Material Selection: What materials are you considering, and why? Link your choices back to the user's needs and the project constraints. For example, "3D Printing is being considered for the main casing because it is durable, lightweight, and cost-effective, aligning with the user's budget."

• Feasibility and Cost: Briefly touch on the feasibility of sourcing and manufacturing with your chosen components and materials. Note any potential challenges or cost implications i.e. where will you get any timber from?

Design Brief Review

This is where you show how your research has validated and refined your initial Design Brief.

• Problem Statement: Reiterate the core problem you are solving, now with the added context (summary) of your research.

• Target User: Describe the person or group you are designing for, informed by your user interview and market research.

• Key Goals and Objectives: Summarise the main goals of the project in a single, clear statement. This should directly lead into your Design Specification. For example, "The goal is to design a durable, portable, and waterproof product that addresses the shortcomings of current market offerings while meeting the user's aesthetic and budget constraints."

By compiling this summary, you will have a single, cohesive slide that justifies every decision you make in the subsequent Design Specification. This process ensures your Design Specification is not just a list of requirements, but a well-reasoned plan based on evidence.