1. Problem Solving
Design Process

2. Identify and Define a Problem
Situation
Opportunity
Need
Desire
When documenting the design process include background information that explains the situation, opportunity, need or desire.
Include pictures related to the background information.
Cite and add source to work cited page.

3. Develop a Design Brief Include imagery of the problem to be addressed.
Short statement outlining the problem to solve. (The who, what, when, where, and why! Leave out the how!)
Describe what the designer must do.
Keep statement as general as possible without limiting solutions.
Include imagery of the problem to be addressed.
Cite the images and add source to work cited.

4. Task Analysis Analyze the task ahead of you.
Think about the who, what, where, when, how.
Café Que
Cost
Aesthetics
Function
Ergonomics
Quality
User
Environment

5. Investigate/Research
Investigate situation or problem.
Research topics needed for better understanding of possible solutions.
Interview clients, mentors, consumers
Observe similar ideas on the market
Explore Alternatives (limit inputs, expand inputs)
Look at target audience

6. Research Analysis
Sum up what you have learned from each section of investigation
Draw attention to important aspects of new ideas.

7. Specs & Limits Specification Limitations
Directions given for the design to adhere to.
Include priorities identified from your research and task analysis.
Limitations
Related to the inputs of a system.
Include priorities identified from your research and task analysis.
Include extents or minimums.

8. Brainstorm Ideas Use various designing strategies.
Sketch ideas for various parts of the problem.
Use a matrix to generate various ideas.
Identify points about your ideas related to specifications and limitations.

9. Alternative Solutions
Use brainstorming to create viable solutions to the design problem.
Develop 3-5 viable solutions.
Make decisions about materials, size, and manufacturing process.
Describe the each solution thoroughly.
Label materials expected to use.
Provide some sort of scale/size.
Detail decisions based on specifications.

10. Select a Solution Tools Materials Time Energy Information People
Capital
Identify the Pros and Cons of each alternative Solution
Check solutions against your Café Que list.
Discussion of intentions for the final solution
Develop Final Concept Drawings or Plan of final solution
Provide a model for expected solution

11. Modeling Concepts Form model - expressing 3D volume only
Aesthetic model - expressing form and finish
Cardboard
Clay
Foam core board
Balsa
Oak tag
Poster board
Foam
Whatever is appropriate

12. Develop the Idea (consider outputs)
Develop Working Drawings
Plan of Procedures to include Supply, Material, Tool, and Parts Lists along with construction steps.
Timetable/Action Plan

13. Prototype Modeling Process energy, materials & information
Produce exact replica of solution
Replicate form, aesthetics and function

14. Test Procedures
Develop testing procedures much like doing a scientific lab.
Describe the expectations of the final solutions.
Document the test procedures in numbered steps to follow while testing.
Provide hypothesis of results.

15. Test, Evaluate & Improve
Experiment (process energy, sometimes material and information)
Analyze the Design (Feedback investigation)
Evaluate (materials, function, information)
Make Improvements (change drawings, materials, information)