DESIGN PROCESS

V. Ryan © 2001-2012
Below is the contents list of the 'Design Process' section of this website. This section gives detailed information on each stage of designing and examples regarding many stages involved in the building of a successful folder / project. Another section called 'Project Template' gives blank design templates for each stage of a project / folder. The entire template is available as a download / printable PDF document (see below).
PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR THE DESIGN TEMPLATE - PRINTABLE VERSION
PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DESIGN PROCESS CHECK LIST
When working through a project you must use a range of drawing techniques and also Information Technology must play an important part.
1. DRAWING TECHNIQUES
2. USING I.C.T.
In order to achieve higher grades it is essential that your project follows the full design process. For each section listed below there are detailed information sheets and guidance sheets later in this information pack. Below is a project check list:

PROJECT STAGE (CLICK BELOW)	DESCRIPTION OF STAGE	TICK WHEN COMPLETE
RICH PICTURE	At the beginning of the project place the theme at the centre. Put words / themes that are connected to it, around it.
DESIGN PROBLEM AND DESIGN BRIEF	State the design problem clearly. Explain how you intend to solve it in general terms.
CUSTOMER PROFILE	Developing a Customer Profile - page1 - Who are your potential customers? Carry out aCustomer Profile Questionnaire. You need to build a Potential Customer Profile. Then produce a final Client/Customer Profile Sheet, once you have been commissioned to design and make a product.
MOODBOARD	Produce a moodboard based on interviews and discussions with your client and the theme he / she wants you, as a designer, to research. The Designer and Moodboards - 1 Designer Inspiration and Moodboards - 2 Inspiration / Moodboards and Motifs
ANALYSIS	List as many questions as you can about the project you are attempting. E.g. What materials can I use ? What safety considerations must I keep in mind ?
SYNTHESIS	Answer the questions in the analysis.
PLANNING	Use a time chart and flow chart to plan your use of time.
RESEARCH	If you are to get a high grade you must put effort into this section. Remember, all research must be relevant to your project and constantly refer to the problem you are trying to solve. Produce at least one sheet on each of the following: Suitable materials for your project. Investigate the ways in which materials can be joined together - joints and fixings. The ergonomic factors that apply to your project. Safety factors related to your design problem. Write letters to manufacturers / shops. Research using the library. Research using the Internet / CD-ROMs/DVDs. Interview people with the aim of helping you to solve the design problem (record the interview). Carry out a survey / questionnaire and present the results as a pictogram/table of results. Product Review - select an existing product and determine how it could be improved. This will help you develop your own ideas later. Collect pictures of existing products - photographs/catalogue pictures. How are existing products manufactured? Research other relevant areas such as electronic circuits.
SPECIFICATION	Once you have completed your design you should specify in a paragraph or two what exactly you are going to do to solve this problem. Always refer to your research.
IDEAS	Draw at least six ideas, with notes. The ideas should be different and not just the same idea slightly changed. Include environmental considerations (See additional sheet). Use ComputerAided Design (CAD) when drawing some of your designs/ideas.
DEVELOPMENT	To get the higher grades you must take your best idea and develop it further. One way of starting this section is to draw your best idea again and point out areas that can be improved. Areas may include, safety, colour scheme, cost, using a spreadsheet, shape, materials, mechanisms, circuits, systems diagram and the environment. You must show that you have considered Safety and the Consumer. You also need to develop a circuit for your project. You may need to show how mechanisms can be used as part of your design. How will all the parts/components be joined together? What joints and fixings will be needed? Stages of programming a microcontroller circuit (flow chart). Make a series of models and evaluate each one. Carry out a Product Comparison to help develop a design. Click here for Product Comparison layout sheet and templates. Include a Technical Data Sheet in your design project - Technical Data Sheet Template. Ask a Focus Group (group of individuals) their advice regarding your designs and models. Consider the Life Cycle of your product, presenting it as a graphical design sheet.
SOLUTION	Produce a working drawing of your solution with a parts list. This must have measurements and constructional details. You may prefer to produce a Parts Sheet first.  A three dimensional drawing can also be attempted.
MANUFACTURE	Produce planning sheets to show each stage of production - a flowchart, time chart,sequence drawing. Make a further model. Make the solution. Keep a Logbook up to date
EVALUATION	Do not forget this important section. Evaluate your product. State the good and bad points. Does the solution answer the design brief ? Spend some time on this section. You should include social issues, health and safety, ethical and environmental issues.