1. INTRODUCTION A successful design method involves a sequence of steps.A successful design method involves a sequence of steps. It is not always a linear process. Some stages may need repeating in light of new information or findings.It is not always a linear process. Some stages may need repeating in light of new information or findings.  In large commercial projects, many teams of people may be involved. Some teams will be responsible for a single aspect of the overall process. It is therefore vital that information passed between the teams is in a form that can be understood by both teams.

2. Identifying Design Opportunities Sometimes, designers design new or better products simply because they foresee a demand, or because a demand will be created when the product is available. A product can either be a success or a failure, depending on the consumer demand, the innovation behind the product and the state of the market.

3. IDENTIFY THE NEED A successful product meets a need that someone has identified.A successful product meets a need that someone has identified. Two kinds of needs: emotional and physical.Two kinds of needs: emotional and physical. However needs are not always obvious.However needs are not always obvious. Development of a need requires an element of financial risk.Development of a need requires an element of financial risk. Needs arise in all kinds of situationsNeeds arise in all kinds of situations

4. Techniques for Identifying User’s Needs Identifying needs in a situation requires some analysing skills.Identifying needs in a situation requires some analysing skills. Few methods:Few methods: 1.The PIES Approach 2.Image Boards and Mood Boards 3.Brainstorming 4.Mindmapping

5. The PIES Approach PIES ApproachPIES Approach is to investigate all have different needs at different times and in different situations: physical needs intellectual needs emotional needs social needs

6. Image Boards and Mood Boards image boardAn image board will help you think about the user. It includes pictures showing the lifestyle of a real or imaginary person. A mood board can suggest a mood or theme. It can include pictures of products, swatches of colour and texture or interesting shapes and forms.

7. Brainstorming Brainstorming is a method for generating lots of ideas and suggestions in a short period of time. It works best when undertaken in small groups.Brainstorming is a method for generating lots of ideas and suggestions in a short period of time. It works best when undertaken in small groups. ProcedureProcedure 1 1 Gather a group of people together and explain the situation to them. 2 2 Allow some time for individuals to think about the situation. 3 3 Ask each person to call out his or her ideas in turn. 4 4 Rank the list of suggestions for further exploration.

8. Mind Mapping Mind mapping is a way of structuring your thoughts and ideas on paper, showing the connections between ideas.Mind mapping is a way of structuring your thoughts and ideas on paper, showing the connections between ideas. ProcedureProcedure 1 1 State the situation or the theme to consider at the centre of the page. 2 2 Note down any thoughts that occur to you relating to the situation and link those thoughts to the situation/theme with lines. 3 3 Some of your notes may spark off further ideas. These ideas can be added in the appropriate places. 4. 4 Continue adding your ideas as they occur to you until a sufficient level of detail is reached. Specify how these ideas are related to your theme.