1 Design Problem

1. The Design Process is a multi-step problem solving process that is used to develop workable solutions to given problems. Solutions to problems generate revenues for design and manufacturing companies. The Design Process 1 Design Problem Identify the need or problem. State clearly in one or two sentences exactly what the problem is. Preparing a design brief will help you clarify the design problem and understand the criteria and constraints. Use the following format: I need to design a ________ that will ____________ and _________. It should also ______________. For example: I need to design a modern looking toaster that can toast bread and bagels and the cord must automatically retract. 2 Design Brief Once the problem is understood, information is needed to develop a good solution. Some needs may be more complex and require deeper understanding. Research ten important factors Safety Materials Function Construction Size/Dimensions Fittings Shape Cost Ergonomics Appearance Strength Durability Structure or Form Timeline Surface finish 3 Investigation and Research After brainstorming ideas and gathering data you reach what you believe to be the best solution. 4 Best Solution 5 Working Drawings Before construction can begin actual drawings will need to be created. The prototype is tested and evaluated to see if it actually solves the problem as stated. If it does not then you will have to revisit the process to determine why. Was the original problem clearly defined or did the Investigation and Research not produce the needed information? The prototype is made. It is the first sample prior to the retooling of the factory and the start of full production. 6 Prototype 7 Test and Evaluate

2. IMPORTANT DESIGN TERMS • Invention - designing a new idea (e.g.. telephone) • Innovation – improving on existing ideas (e.g.. bicycle) • Criteria – the things that the product must do or include. • Constraints - A design has constraints. Constraints are the limits placed on the design and the designer. They are usually related to the resources that can be used. Materials and maximum cost of an item. • Prototype - The “first of” or “one of” the proposed product is made. Low risk testing of ideas.

3. IMPORTANT DESIGN TERMS cont’d • CAD - Computer Aided Design. Engineers use CAD software to show what the product will look like and how it will work. • Quality Assurance - The system used to check quality is called quality assurance. Quality assurance means making sure the product is made according to plans and meets all specifications. Quality assurance focuses on prevention and detection. • Material Property - A material property describes how material reacts under certain conditions, such as when it is heated or weight is put on it. Product designers must select material with the right properties. E.g. Metals are often used in products where strength and stiffness are needed.

4. IMPORTANT DESIGN TERMS cont’d • CAM - Sometimes drawings are given to people who will actually make the product but sometimes the CAD drawings are input directly into CAM systems. CAM, or computer-aided manufacturing operates and controls many machines or processes. • Tolerance – The amount of error permitted. How much the measurement can be above or below the required amount.