Topic 1 Design

This topic introduces the design cycle model—a fundamental concept underpinning the design process and central to a student's understanding of design activities. Each element of the design cycle represents how designers progress through the design process to refine the design solution in increasing detail. The topic then moves on to focus on the strategies that designers use to arrive at solutions to problems, and the varied nature of the skills and knowledge they need to carry out their activities successfully. The skills identified in this topic should be reflected in the internal assessment (IA) and reinforced throughout the course.

The Design Cycle Model (DCM) How do designers use design cycle models to represent the design process. Design may be described in a variety of ways and degrees of complexity. Some design cycle models are simple and some are more complex. The design process usually consists of successive stages that can be arranged as a systematic cyclical process that eventually converges to produce a solution to a problem.

Stages in the IB design cycle model The DCM comprises six stages, as follows: 1) identifying or clarifying a need or opportunity 2) analyzing, researching and specifying requirements 3) generating ideas and solutions 4) developing the chosen solution 5) realizing the chosen solution 6) testing and evaluating the chosen solution.

Identifying or Clarifying a Need The context of the problem is described and a concise brief stated. The design process can begin with a problem, an identified need, a market opportunity, a demand, a desire to add value to an existing product, or a response to opportunities presented by technological developments. The initial design problem is a loose collection of constraints, requirements and possibilities. From this, the designer has to make a coherent pattern. The design brief states the intended outcome and the major constraints within which it must be achieved.

The Design Brief The design brief is the formal starting point for a new design. It is a statement of the expectations of the design. The brief does not provide the design solution, but is a statement that sets out: the design goal (for example, a working prototype to be evaluated in terms of its feasibility for volume production) the target market for the product (for example, for children, disabled adults) the major constraints (for example, should comply with new legislation, have fewer working parts, be cheaper to manufacture) within which it must be achieved the criteria by which a good design proposal may be achieved (for example, increased value for money and/or cost-effectiveness for manufacturer).

Analyzing, Researching and Specifying Developing the specification from the brief is an evolving process beginning with an initial set of specifications and culminating in a final product design specification (PDS).

Design Specification The design specification justifies the precise requirements of a design. The specification will include a full list of the criteria against which the design can be evaluated

Generating Ideas and Solutions Divergent thinking is used to consider ways in which a problem may be solved. The starting point for the generation of ideas should be the design specification, and proposals should be evaluated against this specification, with evidence of relevant research used to rate the ideas in terms of their usefulness. A variety of approaches should be used, and different possibilities explored and analyzed, before deciding on the most suitable solution

Developing the Chosen Solution A final concept is developed taking into account the conflicting needs of the manufacturer and the user, and the requirement of the design as set out in the specifications. A complete proposal is developed based upon the research and the designer's personal ideas. This stage involves detailed drawings (of a style relevant to the task).

Testing and Evaluating the Chosen Solution The final outcome is tested and evaluated against the requirements set out in the specification. Recommendations for modifications to the design are made. A reiteration process should now begin

The Design Cycle The model emphasizes that designing is not a linear process. Evaluation, for example, will take place at various stages of the process, not just at the end. Similarly, ideas for possible solutions are not only generated at the "generating ideas" stage; some good ideas may develop even as early as the "identifying needs" stage. In practice, it is impossible to separate the stages of the design process as clearly as the model suggests.

The Designers Role The designer's role varies depending on the complexity of the process and the intended outcome. Designers often work as members of a team. Priorities will vary depending on the nature of the activity. For example, the information required by an architect will be different from that required by an engineer.

The Design Cycle Model Depending upon the nature of the problem, not all elements of the cycle carry the same weight in terms of time allocation and complexity. Points to consider include cost, resources, skills, time, original design specification and product modification

Definitions incremental design - Small changes to the design of a product that seem trivial but the cumulative effect of which over a longer period can be very significant radical design - Where a completely new product is devised by going back to the roots of a problem and thinking about a solution in a different way

Definitions convergent thinking - The ability to analyze information in order to select an answer from alternatives. This tend to lend itself to incremental design. divergent thinking - Using creative ability to produce a wide range of possible solutions to a problem. This tends to produce radical designs.

The Design Model Reflects Both Convergent and Divergent Thinking Convergent thinking is analytical and solution-focused, for example, during evaluation Divergent thinking is conceptual and problem-focused, for example, used to generate ideas

Design work is often a combination of incremental and radical thinking. The use of a new material for a product may be a radical leap forwards but the product may look very similar to previous products a tennis racquet made from carbon fiber is a radical development, but the shape and form are similar to previous designs.

Constructive Discontent constructive discontent - Analyzing a situation that would benefit from redesign, and working out a strategy for improving it. What might be an example of this in use?

Adaptation Adaptation - A solution to a problem in one field is used to provide a new idea for a design problem in another Can you provide an example?

Analogy Analogy - The transfer of an idea from one context to another Example?

Brainstorming brainstorming - A form of group think. A group with a recommended size of 10-12 people first devises wild ideas, all of which are written down. No criticism or evaluation is allowed until this is finished, as it is impossible to be creative and critical at the same time. The ideas are then criticized and evaluated.

Attribute Listing attribute listing - Attribute listing identifies the key attributes of a product or process and then enables designers to think of ways to change, modify or improve each attribute.

Morphological Synthesis morphological synthesis - Morphological synthesis is an elaboration of attribute listing. After completing the list of attributes, list them along two sides of a 2D grid. Think creatively about how the attributes can be developed through new ideas in each of the cells to improve the design

Designers use all of these Actual techniques selected depend upon: personal choice, design context and time/resources available

Freehand Drawings freehand drawing – The spontaneous representation of ideas on paper without the use of technical aids. Annotations explain the thinking behind the visual image represented by the drawing. They allow the designer to consider the implications of the ideas for further development. Designers use a range of freehand drawings in the early stages of developing ideas to explore shape and form (3D) and constructional details (2D).

Orthographic drawing orthographic drawing – A series of flat views of an object showing it exactly as it is in shape and size. An orthographic drawing shows details and dimensions and can be used as a production drawing. Orthographic drawings are produced at the final solution stage and are used as working drawings in the realization stage.

Isometric drawing isometric drawing –A 3D representation of an object drawn with the horizontal plane at 30° to the vertical plane. An isometric drawing depicts the proposed solution in 3D showing shape and form exploded isometric drawing – The drawing is exploded to show component parts of a product and/or the sequence of assembly.

Perspective drawing perspective drawing – A 3D drawing that realistically represents an object by utilizing foreshortening and vanishing points (usually imaginary ones). Perspective drawings take into account spatial arrangements, for example, foreshortening, while isometric drawings are constructed to a set angle .

Computer Aided Design computer-aided design (CAD) - The use of computers to aid the design process computer modeling - A computer program that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system.

Cad or manual Drawings Higher levels of skills are required for CAD; however, storage is easier complexity and styles of the drawings may dictate what to use If you are interfacing with other aspects of information and communication technology (ICT) CAD may be better time, cost and the purpose of the drawings will also dictate type of drawing used

Algorithms Algorithm – A sequence of instructions to describe a set of actions (verbal format usually) The Wikipedia Definition is Algorithms can be used to communicate a process Consider the operation of a lift. Correct sequencing is important, with input, process and feedback. 1.5

Flow Charts flow chart – A schematic representation of a process In mapping algorithms, we often use established symbols in a flow chart. Elongated ovals designate start and stop points Diamonds identify some logical decision Rectangles identify processes. Rhomboids identify input or outputs Small circles are used as connectors between parts of the flow chart Click Here for examples

Physical Models Models help us to visualize the intended solution or design. This could be a scale model or a prototype Normally, only selected features are modeled It is relatively simple to change the model if needed Materials- clay, card, foam, board, balsa and wood

Mathematical Models mathematical model – A model using mathematical symbols that can be manipulated numerically. spreadsheet software is often used in the development of mathematical models.

Why use Models? Communication with clients Communication with team members, You have the ability to manipulate ideas better than with drawings.

Model Limitations Designers can easily make assumptions about how accurately a model represents reality: it may not work like the final product or be made of the same material.

QuickTime movie on the design process

Topic 1 Design

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Topic 1 Design