Process for INDUSTRIAL DESIGN class.
For each project, you need to have all the following materials in a portfolio.
THE DESIGN PROBLEM
1. The brief and problem is mainly text (writing) that is written in a clear style so that it can be read and understood easily.
2. The problem is a paragraph or more in length. It describes the problem you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to solve the problem, only what the problem is. If you have been given a examination question as your design project, add more detail. The example opposite is based on the following examination question:
“Design and make an educational device for young children. It must improve hand and eye coordination”.
The problem written opposite is a more detailed and imaginative way of writing the examination question. A pedestrian crossing simulator has been selected by the pupil as the educational device.
3. The first sentence should state the problem, adding more detail with the following sentences.
4. If the examination question does not name the product that has to be designed and made (such as an educational device) - you can mention an area that you are interested in. This could include, jigsaws, puzzles or something that could be adapted as an educational device.
FINDING A DESIGN PROBLEM TO SOLVE - SUGGESTIONS:
A. Is there a product that you could improve for a hobby or interest?
B. Is there an item that you use every day that could be improved? Is there an item that could be adapted for disabled people or young children or the elderly? or another group of people?
C. Ask your friends and relatives. They may have a few suggestions about design problems you can solve that will help them.
D. Do not be over ambitious. Do not select a design problem that is too complex.
E. Ask the teacher for advice and look at completed projects for inspiration.
THE DESIGN BRIEF
1. Always start the design brief with “I am going to design and make .....”. This is followed by a general description of the type of device you feel will answer the design problem.
2. Do not be too specific. The brief should be a general description that allows you flexibility regarding the type of product you intend to make. For example, if your are designing an automatic animal feeder it may be a good idea not to say the type of animal it is for, at least not at this stage in the project.
3. Do not be specific about materials. It may be wise to avoid stating the exact materials it will be manufactured from (eg. pine, steel, perspex etc...). Instead describe the materials to be used as strong, tough, flexible, natural, manmade, recycled, water-proof or similar general descriptions.
4. Mention points such as; safety, general size, what it will do (it’s functions), general properties of the materials needed, who it is for (eg children), basic cost of manufacture or a lower and upper cost limits, circuit requirements and other points you feel are important.
CUSTOMER PROFILE
To build a customer profile you could ask a focus group some of the questions listed below and carry out questionnaires. Alternately you could ask yourself or people in your company/class the same questions.
1. Describe the type of person who could be your typical customer (or will be your typical customer).
2. What is the age range of potential customers?
3. Are potential customers likely to be male or female or does gender matter?
4. What is the geographical location of potential customers? Where are they likely to live?
5. What are the most likely occupations of potential customers?
6. What are the general likes /dislikes of potential customers?
7. What does a typical customer want from the product you design and manufacture?
8. What makes your product more suitable to potential customers than that of your competitors?
9. What are the most common design requirements shared by your potential customers?
10. What factors are your potential customers likely to consider before purchasing your product?
11. What do your customers value from your company, products or services?
12. How will potential customer find out about the product you are selling?
13. What have previous customers said about your company / product?
14. Does the cost of your product influence a customers decision to buy from you?
15. List all the ways in which contact can be made with your potential customers.
ANALYSIS and SYNTHESIS
List as many questions as you can about the project you are attempting. E.g. What materials can I use ?
What safety considerations must I keep in mind ?
Then answer the questions.
RESEARCH
If you are to get a high grade you must put effort into this section. Remember, all research must be relevant to your project and constantly refer to the problem you are trying to solve.
-Suitable materials for your project.
-Investigate the ways in which materials can be joined together - joints and fixings.
-The ergonomic factors that apply to your project.
-Safety factors related to your design problem.
-Interview people with the aim of helping you to solve the design problem (record the interview).
-Carry out a survey / questionnaire and present the results as a pictogram/table of results.
-Product Review - select an existing product and determine how it could be improved. This will help you develop your own ideas later.
-Collect at least 6 pictures of existing products - photographs/catalogue pictures.
-Place notes alongside each. These should explain where you found the design (ie. website address or cataolgue name), the aspects you like about the design and those aspects that could be improved.
-Describe the product, how it works, its functions, aesthetic qualities, overall size, ergonomics, materials, cost, color scheme etc..... and the safety of the device.
- Display designs that are different. Do not display ideas that are virtually the same. The aim of this research sheet is to show that you have researched a range of existing ideas as this will help you design your own idea.
- When writing negative points about an aspect of an existing idea, always explain your reasons and how you consider the aspect could be improved.
IDEATION
8 Thumbnails - loose, quick, brainstorming sketches
3 Roughs - larger sketches with more details
1 Working Drawing -Take the best and do a ORTHOGRAPHIC and ISOMETRIC drawing, including notes
CAD RENDERING
Use ProE Wildfire to create the design
IN PROCESS CRITIQUE
Do not forget this important section. Evaluate your product. State the good and bad points. Does the solution answer the design brief ? Spend some time on this section. You should include social issues, health and safety, ethical and environmental issues. Participate in class critique
FINAL PRODUCT
Print your design from several angles. Include it in your portfolio