Design is an iterative process that is seamless and transitions between various phases. Below maps the entire design process, along with a number of tasks that should be conducted and Strategic Technology criteria to be considered.

UNIVERSAL DESIGNERS’ TOOLKIT

Audit and evaluate the improved concept; make sure that it qualifies to all the requirements set by client and

ST criteria. Ensure the design is adaptable to economic, political, social and market trends. Maintain resources,

ensuring the design is viable for the intended audience. Perform audits for major changes and

periodic maintenance. Trial and testing should be carried out on a test audience

that represents the target users, addressing the purpose/intent of the product with their needs and socio-cultural backgrounds. The

design should be refactored as necessary, as this is

crucial feedback.

Implement the finalized concept while

considering how the product will fit with

key marketing strategy.

Internalize results, strategize and plan/ map out overall strategy based

on initial feedback. Manage your momentum; ensure decisions are made quickly so as to keep a steady pace and energy. This is a critical milestone in the

design process; understand how you will induce change through the ST

and to what scale. Visualize solutions further and

begin to address design details. You will need to consider

technological/ material constraints and realign how the ST will overcome

these problems. Ensure engagement and experience

values will be represented while maintaining core

design goals.

Use conceptualization tools. Create concepts, models, and encourage

feedback from your client at early stages. Remove

constraints and be inspired by your research.

Conduct market research. Keep in mind innovation cycles and how competitor’s products or services may impact your design decision.

Market timing is very important; make sure your designed ST is neither too

early or too late on the market and that it has distinctive

features.

Assess your current assets to understand what you need in order to

solve a problem. Designers should realize their strengths and stretch steps, reach out for collaborations/ partnerships

to populate skill sets and create an inventory tracking time, capital, and

hardware/ software. Perform a comprehensive design audit

ensuring relevance and relatability.

Identify the problem and perform extensive research.

Decide on a timeline, deliverables and utilize/ create a design brief. Be sure to understand the history

and track record. Plan how to approach the project and account for changes as

needed.

Envir

onmen

tal S

ustai

nabil

ity

Ethica

l/ Mora

l Acce

ptance

SWOT/ STEEP AnalysisJourney Mapping

Capita

lizatio

n

Value Chain Analysis

Functional Capability

User Relationship

HumanityUsa

bility

Commercial Viability

Competitive Advantage

Innovation Cycle

Fosdick Curve Management

Data Collection

Case Studies

User Analysis

Differentiation

Mind Mapping

In-house critique

BrainstormingMock ups/ Sketching

Displacement

Market Timing

Financial Standing

Feature Richness

Enablement/ Pain Resolution

Design Form

Intended Application

Engagement/ Experience

Value Proposition

Evaluate

Make R

efin

emen

ts

Focu

s Gro

ups

Customer

Co-crea

tion

Assumptio

n Testi

ng

Mat

eria

l Sel

ectio

nsDes

ign D

evelo

pmen

t

Prototype

Review Feedback

Barriers to Entry

Designers should follow along even after the ST has been handed over to other departments/ the end user. They should collaborate and try to provide insight and their informed perspectives even after their ‘role’ has been completed in the process.

Gauging the Innovation cycle and consider how the ST can be either replaced by competitor’s products or overcome by disruptive technology, designers have the ability given their in depth research to consider gaps in the market and propose solutions that can improve on the product/service/experience they designed.

Further Refinements

Learning Launch

If required, designers should be comfortable in revisiting concepts and ensuring they �t the criteria and overall strategy.

If required, after conducting various tests and understanding how the intended audience reacts, thorough audits and re�nements should be done to enhance the design.

Strategic Technology | Fall 2013 | Group Assignment 1Alaa Balkhy, Angie Higdon, Sophia Lu, Reshma Ramrattan, Ali Akbar Sahiwala