Design and Communication
Design Briefs and Specifications
-
A Design Brief is a statement of what a new design should achieve.
-
It's an important initial point of any design project and outlines the problems to be solved.
-
It should be concise, cover all main points and not be overly technical to be understood by a wide audience.
-
Always consider the resources, possible materials and manufacturing techniques, and safety regulations when creating a Design Brief
-
A Design Specification is a detailed document setting out exact measurements, materials and methods to be used during manufacturing.
Design Process
- The design process is iterative and cyclical.
- It starts with identifying a need, conducting research, and creating a design brief and specification.
- This is followed by generating ideas, preparing a concept design, and developing a detailed design.
- Prototyping, testing, and evaluation is the final part of the process. Changes identified during these stages are used to refine the design.
- Key stages in the design process should be documented by sketches, notes, and technical drawings.
Design Communication
-
Sketching is a quick way to capture and communicate design ideas. It's often used in the early stages of the design process.
-
Orthographic Projection is a system of drawing that gives a 2D representation of an object from three different views (Front, Side and Plan View). It's used to give technical details about the design.
-
A Working Drawing provides detailed information about the object, such as its exact dimensions, construction methods, and materials used.
-
CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems can be used to produce 2D drawings and 3D models.
-
Physical Models and Prototypes provide a tangible way of analysing and testing a design before full-scale production.
Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
-
Always consider the capabilities and constraints of different manufacturing methods (such as casting, moulding, forming, and machining) when making selections.
-
Consider the properties of different materials and how they'll affect the final design. For instance, consider factors like strength, flexibility, aesthetics, cost and sustainability.
Design Evaluation and Testing
-
Testing prototypes is crucial to validate the design against the original specifications and identify areas for improvement.
-
Feedback can be gathered through user testing, questionnaires or group discussions. These insights can be used to refine and further improve the design.
-
Document all evaluations, iterations, and changes made. This provides a complete 'paper trail' of the design's development.