Design Briefs and Specifications
Understanding Design Briefs and Specifications
The Design Brief
- A design brief is a written plan that identifies the problem to be solved and clarifies the design objectives.
- The brief summarises what the design project is about and its scope.
- This document does not provide solutions but sets the foundation for idea development.
- It includes details such as the target audience, the purpose of the product, the context in which the product will be used, and timescale for the project.
- Insight: Effective design briefs are clear, concise, and focused.
The Design Specification
- The design specification is a detailed document that describes the design criteria which the solution must meet.
- It will often include aspects such as performance requirements, resources available, constraints and limitations, safety standards, and environmental issues.
- This should be a working document which is reviewed and updated as the project develops.
- Remember: The design specification helps to check that the final design solution meets all the needs identified in the brief.
Key Differences between Brief and Specification
- The design brief outlines the exact problem that needs to be addressed while the design specification details the requirements for the solution to the problem.
- A design brief is more about the why and what while a specification relates more to the how.
- The brief starts the design process, the design specification guides it, and both together ensure the end product meets the objectives.
Role in Design Process
- The brief and specification play a foundational role in guiding the design process.
- They help focus the design thinking, encourage innovation, and ensure design solutions are fit for purpose.
- It's important to frequently refer back to these documents throughout the product development process.
Extraction of Information
- Learn to extract pertinent information from a given brief and use it to formulate a comprehensive design specification.
- This is a critical skill that taps into your ability to interpret information, analyse needs and wants, empathise with users, and align these with feasible design and technological solutions.
Cases of Varied Contexts
- Lastly, understand that the context of a brief will vary greatly from case to case.
- For example, developing a solution for a small-scale, local problem will entail a different brief and specification than tackling a large-scale, global issue.
- Be prepared to adapt your approach to your specific design context.