The Design Process
By Gamal Prather
THE DESIGN PROCESS
• The design process is an engineering activity that turns a concept into reality.
• The concept is a solution to a specific problem or a perceived need.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
• The process from concept to solution is not random.
– It is a logical sequence of steps to develop the best solution to a specific problem.
THE DESIGN PROCESS• The design
process is not a one-way street ending in the finished product.
THE DESIGN PROCESS• It is a series of
stages and check-points where each step in this process can be reviewed and analyzed.
• Modifications or refinements can be made to the concept.
7 STAGES IN THE DESIGN PROCESS1. Problem Identification2. Conceptualization3. Refinement of Preliminary Ideas4. Design Analysis5. Development and Implementation6. Optimization 7. Presentation
STAGE 1: IDENTIFY PROBLEMS• Market
research• Design Brief• Identification
constraints• A CRITICAL
stage
STAGE 2: DEVELOP CONCEPTS• Ideation
– Brainstorming (words)
– Sketching (images)
• Data collection• Information
resources
Concept sketches of cycling shoesConcept sketches of cycling shoes
STAGE 3: REFINE IDEAS
• Identification of workable, realistic solutions
• Develop detailed, annotated sketches
• Graphical analysis of possible solutions
STAGE 4: DESIGN ANALYSIS• Compare
alternatives and specifications
• Create a Decision Matrix
• Generate alternate solutions
• Reduce # of potential solutions
A Design Matrix
• Using a matrix, select a workable solution
STAGE 5: DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION• Preliminary
documentation of the final design– Engineering drawings
(ie. Multi-view drawings)
• Prototyping of the selected design
• Testing and Analysis of prototype
STAGE 6: OPTIMIZE
• Reassess design specifications• Implement modifications• Update 3D models and engineering
drawings
STAGE 7: PRESENTATION• Oral report• Written report• Visual aids
– Models– Powerpoint
Slideshow– Videos
Resources:
Engineering Drawing and Design (2nd Edition)Madsen, Shumaker, Stark, and TurpinDelmar PublishersISBN 0-8273-6720-1
Engineering Design Communication (Preliminary Edition)Johnson and LockhartAddison-Wesley PublishersISBN 0-201-38042-0
Sources
• www.cardesignnews.com– Search query “Z4”
• Project Lead the Way– www.pltw.org