Capstone Design Step 2: Generation of Alternative Concepts

1. Read this document until you get to 22.6 (22.6 Excluded)

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:

1. 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. 

2. Second, in the documentation phase, the concept is neatly redrawn and labeled to facilitate communication with team members and project sponsors/mentors.

The final outcome is two or more sketches (rough and more neatly re-drawn) prepared with the following guidelines in mind:

• Can be hand-sketched and computer-generated.

• Label parts and main features. If the drawing is hand-sketched, neat, handwritten labeling is acceptable.

• Provide multiple views and close-up views, to describe how the design works. Apply what you have learned in the sketching tutorials.

The choice of views is up to you but take into consideration that Isometric views convey a lot of information in a single picture. 

Most mechanisms can be described effectively using two or more two-dimensional views. 

 These drawings must fairly represent the designs during the evaluation process. In some cases, they are the only source of evidence for judging if a design is likely to work.

3. Alternative ideas Concept Sketching, functional decomposition and classification scheme

Use this time to thoroughly explore possible designs for your idea.

Some of you seem to have already committed to a design but Don't get married to a design solution just yet. 

Free your mind. Explore new ideas. Draw inspiration from nature. Try something new. 

Here's what we need to do:

*Read section 22.6. It will provide the details and examples necessary to complete the steps below:

Step 1: Decompose your Design Objective into a Series of Functions and sub-functions

Step 2: Brainstorm Alternative Concepts for Each Function and Assemble the Results in a Classification Scheme

Step 3: Combine the Function Concepts to Form Alternative Design Concepts

Step 4: Sketch Each of the Most Promising Combinations

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.

Grading Criteria

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.

Assignment Tips

• The goal is to generate three “strong” concepts.

• Redraw your concept sketches to enhance clarity and neatness. The quality of the concept drawings, or lack of it, can do much to sway opinions when it comes time to judge the concepts.