Chapter 2 The Design and Problem-Solving Process

Introduction  Design is the planned process of change.  Technology is all about design.

Design Process  Design is a broad term.  Design describes the process of developing solutions to problems.  Non-Linear Process  Design Loop

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. Design Loop

Identify the Problem  Ask questions  Find the root of the problem  What type of problems is this?  What is the purpose of this solution?

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief Design Loop

Design Brief  Problem Clarification  Problem Specifications and Limitations  Detail Intentions  Ask more detailed questions  Provides direction

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research Design Loop

Research and Investigation  Information Gathering  What technological Systems will be used?  Structural or Mechanical systems used?  Principles or concepts involved?  Previously used or developed solutions.

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions Design Loop

Generate Alternative Solutions  Very important step!  Usually difficult  More the better  Brainstorming  Ideation

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions 5. Choosing a Solution Design Loop

Choose the Best Solution  Seems easy, but needs great attention  Attributes listing  Matrix  Evaluation Process  Optimization  Document Reasons

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions 5. Choosing a Solution 6. Developmental Work Design Loop

Developmental Work  Modeling, Materials Testing  Fastening Techniques  Shape and Size Deliberation  Preliminary Design Issues  Technical Planning – Engineering Drawings, Section Views, Blueprints, Etc.  Ideas sold to clients

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions 5. Choosing a Solution 6. Developmental Work 7. Modeling and Prototyping Design Loop

Modeling and Prototyping  Computer Models  Mathematical Models  Appearance Models  Functional Model  Prototype – Working model that looks like the final product – Possibly scaled

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions 5. Choosing a Solution 6. Developmental Work 7. Modeling and Prototyping 8. Testing and Evaluating Design Loop

Testing and Evaluating  Does the prototype solve the problem  Actual testing  Gain feedback  Performance evaluation

1. Identifying problems and opportunities. 2. Framing a Design Brief 3. Investigation and Research 4. Generating Alternative Solutions 5. Choosing a Solution 6. Developmental Work 7. Modeling and Prototyping 8. Testing and Evaluating 9. Redesigning and Improving Design Loop