Classification Scheme
Design Step 2
Design Step 2
1. Brainstorm on your journal and Padlet to determine at least three feasible alternatives (concepts) for each function/subfunction of your product and assemble the results in a classification scheme.
2. Functionally decompose your product.
3. Form three promising design concepts by combining compatible function-subfunction alternatives/concepts from your classification scheme
4. Firm up your three design concepts by sketching them in the form of conceptual drawings and by implementing the techniques learned in the sketching tutorials. On paper and Digitally
2. Alternative ideas Concept Sketching
For an idea to be considered a feasible alternative concept, it must be represented in the form of a conceptual sketch.
The goal in producing a concept drawing is to convey what the design is and how it works in the clearest possible terms. Any lack of clarity, such as failure to represent one of the sub-functions, translates into doubts about the feasibility of the concept when it comes time to evaluate it.
At the same time, however, this is not a detailed design drawing. Dimensions and other details not relevant to understanding the basic nature of how the concept will work are left out.
It is best to proceed through two phases when generating a concept drawing:
First, in the creative phase, hand-sketching is done freestyle and quickly, without regard for neatness or visual clarity. A few simple lines, incomprehensible to others, might be enough to remind you of your idea. Sketching is a means for both storing ideas and brainstorming others.
Second, in the documentation phase, the concept is neatly redrawn and labeled to facilitate communication with team members and project sponsors/mentors.
Design Milestone 2: Generation of 3 Alternative Designs
This milestone assumes that the system to be designed is sufficiently complex (i.e., at least four subfunctions) to warrant the use of functional decomposition.
ASSIGNMENTS
1. Brainstorm on your Journals and on padlet, with your team, to determine at least five feasible alternatives for each sub-function
2. Represent the functional decomposition creating a flow chart/ mind map (use https://coggle.it/)
3. Assemble the previously identified subfunctions' and the alternative concepts/designs in a classification scheme.
4. Form 5 promising design concepts by using the classification scheme to combine compatible sub-function alternative concepts from your classification scheme. (specify the pros and cons of each)
5. Firm up three feasible design concepts by sketching them up in the form of concept drawings. The design's functionality (i.e., how it works) must be clearly indicated in the drawings through the use of labeling and text.
Reflection
During Step 2 of our Capstone Design Process, our group worked hard to create strong design concepts for our product. We worked using technical content and communication in order to turn our ideas into feasible concepts. We were tasked to use our knowledge of sketching and planning to create these alternative concepts.
Technical Communication
• Ideas are clearly presented.
• Final concept drawings are neatly rendered.
Technical Content
• All concepts are feasible, legal, and fundamentally different.
• Concepts are presented in sufficient detail.
• Requested number of concepts is generated.
We used our critical thinking skills to brainstorm the various possible combinations of parts for our hydroponics tank. We also had to work on collaborating as a group and pitching in our various ideas and suggestions. Overall this project was successful in giving us more information about how to proceed with our capstone project. Also, we now have a solidified design for our product and multiple alternatives to try during the prototyping process.