Got Design?

1. Got Design? Design Optimization Through M.A.S.H. Analysis

2. M.A.S.H. • A method of generating, tracking, and objectively evaluating product design in this environment. • Mechanics • Aesthetics • Sustainability • Human Factors

3. Product Design • Function • Form • Environmental Impact • Ease of Use

4. Product Analysis • Broadly defined categories need to be tailored to suit each design project. • Electronic interface projects will have different issues than developing a new weed whacker. • Raw materials: pixels vs. metals and plastics.

5. Mechanics • Focus on product structure and function. • How does the design perform its intended function? • What materials is it made from? • How is it constructed or assembled? • Is it based on existing or emerging technology platform? • How do these elements impact the product’s efficiently and durability? What kind of mechanical limitations do you expect to encounter?

6. Aesthetics • Focus on a product’s form and appearance. • Is it based on a certain type of proportion system? • Is there an historical or natural precedent for appealing shapes and colors? • What color/colors is it? • What does its shape/form communicate to the viewer? • Is it an appropriate size and scale for its intended use? • Is it meant to evoke a certain mood or emotion? • Is it appropriate for its intended audience? • How and where are graphics and labels applied?

7. Sustainability • Focus on the environmental impact of the design. • How long will the product be useful (intended lifespan)? • Is it meant to wear out or be disposable? • Can it be made from recycled materials? • Can it be disassembled so its parts can be recycled or reused? • Can you reduce the number of parts or fasteners required? • Does it have multiple uses? • Where does its power come from? Is that energy source renewable? • Are the manufacturing processes required to create it harmful? • Is there a service that exists that could replace this product?

8. Human Factors • Focus on human interaction. • What are the important human measurements for interaction with the product? • In what environment will this human and product interact? • Will that influence the parson’s or product’s performance? • Are there any conceptual, physical, or cultural barriers to your product’s acceptance and use? • How much learning or training is required for someone to use the product? • Is it safe to use? • Can you minimize unintentional use or reduce the negative impact of incorrect use? • Is your design fun or pleasurable to use?

9. Idea-Generation Tool • Use M.A.S.H. as a structure for guiding and collecting ideas. • Filter out extraneous ideas and generate sufficient depth. • List as many variables as possible in each category. • Systematically or randomly combine them to guide a new design. • Some obvious relationships will form. • Some relationships will be surprises. • Some designs will be practical and others will radical.

10. An Evaluation Tool • M.A.S.H. can be used as an objective measure of an objective performance. • Used to easily identify strengths and weaknesses of a given design concept.

11. Scoring • Score Poor as 1 to Excellent as 5 with 2, 3, 4 in between. • Add the scores and divide by the number of scores. • Multiply by 10 and add 50. • Example: 3.2 avg. X 10 + 50 = 82

12. Mechanics excellent n/a poor • Function  • Materials • Production • Construction • Assembly • Technology • Efficiency • Durability • Limitations

13. Aesthetics excellent n/a poor • Proportions • Precedent • Color • Semantics • Scale • Emotions • Appropriate • Branding • Graphics

14. Sustainability excellent n/a poor • Life-Span • Obsolescence • Recycled • Disassembly • Parts • Multiuse • Energy Source • Manufacture • Service

15. Human Factors excellent n/a poor • Anthropometrics • Ergonomics • Learning • Physical Access • Cultural Access • Concepts Access • Safety • Error • Pleasure