The Design Brief How to Write

What is the purpose of a Design Brief? The design brief is a document that defines a problem or need , its context and the requirements that need to be fulfilled based around that problem or need.

Outline of the Context or Situation What the product needs to do and why. When developing a brief the following questions should be applied. What (is the problem or situation that needs to be solved)? Why (is a solution needed)? When (is it needed)? What (is the product needed for)? Where will it be used? How will it be used? This section paints the picture of the brief. The information should be concise and direct. You can also refer to the ‘Function, purpose and context’ product design factors when writing the outline.

Product Design Factors Product Design Factors, are aspects which may make up the ‘Considerations and Constraints’. These include: Purpose, function, and context Human-centered design(Human needs and wants) Innovation and creativity Visual, tactile and aesthetic (design principles and elements) Sustainability (social, economics and environmental systems perspectives) Economics – Time and Cost Legal Responsibilities Materials – Characteristics and properties Technologies – tools, processes, and manufacturing methods

Purpose, function, and context The reason or the need for the product. “Who, Why, What” Primary and secondary function Primary= Main function, (eg, the cabinet on the left is to store c/ds) Secondary= Features of the design(eg, use of materials, joining methods, storage techniques) Context Where will the product be used When the product will be used

Human-Centered design Human needs and wants Problems or needs which can improve wellbeing and quality of life Cultural and religious considerations Age Economic status(income status) Fashion trends/styles Safety Accessibility Ergonomics Comfort

Innovation and creativity A Creative approach to solving problems or needs. Invention Improvement Modification experimentation Pushing the boundaries Thinking outside the square New ideas New materials Emerging technologies/techniques

Visual, tactile and aesthetic Design Principles & Elements The products form, appearance and feel Principles= balance, emphasis, repetition, movement/rhythm, pattern, proportion, symmetry and space Elements= point, line, shape, form, texture, tone, colour, transparency, translucence and opacity. Visual= The visual look of the product(what is it) Tactile= Touch, what the product feels like to touch or use Aesthetic= What the product conveys(feeling, mood, era and/or style)

Sustainability The connection between Social, Economic and environmental systems. Social= How will it affect people and communities Economic= How will it affect the economy and jobs Environmental= how will it affect the environment and natural resources Other aspects: LCA (life cycle assessment) LCT (life cycle thinking) Carbon footprints Embodied energy Water use Distribution and transport

Economics Time and Cost Costing: Time management: Materials Labour costs Use of machinery and tools Time management: Correct timing of manufacturing components Lean and JIT(just in time)manufacturing Material availability

Legal responsibilities IP (intellectual property) Patents Design registration ISO International standards organization Regulations and legislation OH&S Products must be produced safely and be safe to the user

Materials Wood/timber Metal Textiles/yarns/fibres/fabrics Plastics (polymers) Characteristics: Strength Durability Hardness Density Rigidity Flexibility

Technologies Tools, processes and manufacturing methods Methods: Proper and safe use of tools and equipment in the production of a design Methods: Marking out, setting out Cutting, shaping/forming Joining/assembling/construction Decorating/embellishing/finishing

When developing the Design Brief Outline of the situation and context: (statement outlining what the design problem or need is) Constraints: (things that cannot be changed or have been stipulated by the client or end user. Should be in dot point) Considerations: (things that are open to interpretation to you as a designer. Can be in dot point or statement format) Client Profile: (An in-depth profile of the client or end user including; age, interests, styles, tastes, similar items, living conditions, economic status, ETC)