What Makes Good Design?

Simply put, you can categorize design into two different categories: Good Designs or Bad Designs.

As learned in class, all design problems are ill-defined, and inherently, what makes a good design or bad design is ill-defined to a certain extent. It is very dependent on personal preference and opinion. However, I feel that a generally good design is something that is simple, useful, practical and sustainable in achieving it's desired function.

I believe that in order for an effective design, they should be put through a certain process to make sure that all aspects that the end user will see are taken to account for. This involves going through a system much like we learned in MAE451 which is:

• 1. Project Clarification

  2. Conceptual Design

  3. Embodiment Design

  4. Detail Design

  5. Product Support

My group for MAE451's pick for an innovative design was the Chevy Volt. Here is our presentation: