The Design Loop

The Problem

Defining Need Think what exactly is needed. Need a method of holding a stack of paper neatly and securely next to a telephone so that a message can be written on the top sheet. This is called a Design Brief

Ask Questions What is the paper size? How many sheets are to be held? How much space is there beside the telephone Should a pen or pencil be attached? Will it be easy to write on the top sheet? (continued)

Ask Questions Can the sheets be easily removed one at a time? What materials are available to make the product? How much material is available? Which material would be best for appearance and strength?

Find Solutions Gluing the sheets together to make a pad. Using some kind of a spring clip. Punching holes in the sheets and hanging them from a peg. Making a small box or container.

Choose a Possible Solution Making a small box or container. Develop the idea further.

Make a Model and Prototype

Feedback Manufacturer would make samples. Consumers test –Tell how the products work –Modifications required –How much they would pay for it

Manufacture the Product

The Design Process This careful and thoughtful procedure is called Let’s look at each of these steps in greater detail …

Identifying Problems and Opportunities Identify the need for a product to be developed Market Research

The Design Brief Designing begins when there is a need. –For something new –For something improved The Design Brief: –Describe simply and clearly what is to be designed –Cannot be vague

The Design Brief –Include all information needed to understand the problem – Constraints Materials to be used How much money can be spent When it must be finished

Investigation and Research Function Appearance Materials Construction Safety Cost

Investigation and Research Existing solutions Libraries and Internet Experts

Developing Alternative Solutions Produce a number of solutions Write or draw every idea as it occurs to you. Coming up with lots of ideas using: –brainstorming – insight –by accident –past experience – sketching

Choose a Solution Select the best solution after reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of each idea. Consider –Your own skills –The materials available –Time needed to build each solution –Cost of each solution

Make a Detailed Drawing Overall dimensions Detail dimensions Material to be used How it will be made

Models and Prototypes Model –Full-size or small-scale likeness of an object –A good step in communicating an idea –Can be scaled smaller when the design object is very large Prototype –First working version of the solution –Full size –Using designated materials

Testing and Evaluating Does it work? Does it meet the design brief? How efficiently does it work? Will it last? Does it need maintenance? Will it need spare parts? Is it attractive?

Testing and Evaluating Consumer Testing Did it work well? How could it be improved? Is it attractive? Is it priced right? Designers use this feedback to make final changes.

Re-Design Manufacture or

The Design Loop 1. Identify the Problem or Opportunity 2. Develop Design Brief 3. Investigate and Research 4. Develop Alternative Solutions 5. Choose a Solution6. Create Drawings 7. Model and Prototype 8. Test and Evaluate 9. Re-Design or Manufacture