1. DESIGN BRIEF
CONTENT

2. GENERAL CONTENTS
There is no standard method of writing a design brief. However, they must all contain the following information:
Situation – the need/problem
Considerations
Constraints
Areas for research
Expected finished quality

3. END-USER PROFILE
To help you plan your Design Brief, it is beneficial to know details of the End-user:
Age
Gender
Interests / hobbies
Personal tastes (styles, colours, themes)
Likes and dislikes of the proposed need.

4. THE NEED = SCENARIO
The Client needs something to address a Problem. The way the End-user describes the problem is important, which should be expressed as:
A place to store nails, nuts and bolts.
Help me organise my cluttered desk

5. THE NEED = SCENARIO Not expressed as:
A drawer and shelf system, exactly the same as the one in last week’s catalogue.
A 50 c.d. tower with joining stand for my mini hi-fi and compartments for books, you can get the Ikea module kit.
There would be no need for your services as a Designer if this was done.

6. END-USER’S REQUESTS
Your End-user will have some ideas and opinions about what he or she would like to see in the solution to their need.
After discussion with your End-user, list these requests in order of importance.
These requests will determine your Design.
Requests are presented as:

7. CONSTRAINTS – DESIGN FACTORS
The End-user will discuss various Constraints, (musts / limitations) such as:
Innovation (unique/different ideas)
Materials (properties, characteristics)
Sustainability (durability, environmental)
Aesthetics (appearance, visual/tactile)
Function (aspects of operation)
Ergonomics (designed for comfort)

8. CONSTRAINTS You, as the Designer, will also have Constraints, such as:
Materials – availability
Production ability
Time – most important.
Be aware of your Constraints, prior to discussing any details with your End-user.

9. CONSIDERATIONS
Considerations are the points you should take into account when thinking about design solutions, such as:
Shape
Style
Features
Environment / surroundings

10. CONSULTING WITH END-USER
You should always think about a meeting with the End-user beforehand, as to prepare.
What do you need to tell/ask the End-user?
What information do you need from them?
What can you expect the end-user to know about the Product Design Process?
How can you help them with information?
Several consultations may be required.

11. GENERAL
When writing your Design Brief, you must be mindful that the Situation is the basis for absolutely EVERYTHING in your folio & establishing the Criteria for Evaluating the intended design and the final product.

12. DESIGN BRIEF CHECKLIST
Who will use the product (end user/s)?
What will the product do (function)?
When & where will the product be used?
Is the product ergonomically friendly?
How should it look (aesthetics)?
Will the product be safe to use?
Is the product (materials used) sustainable?
Is the design innovative, interesting?

13. ALWAYS THINK AHEAD