Example Design Process

There are many Design Processes that are used in the field. For purposes of Lesson 1.1 Introducti= on to Design Process and this course, Project Lead The Way, Inc. has adopted this design process from Standards for Technologic= al Literacy Standard 8, Benchmark H. This design process will be used for = all courses. The design process includes:

1= . Define a Problem

·= Identify a problem that exists.

· Determine the root cause.

· Gather information.<= span style=3D'font-family:Arial'>

2= . Brainstorm

· Present ideas in group.

· Generate and record ideas.

· Seek quantity not quality.

·= Keep the mind alert through rapidly paced sessions.

3= . Research and Generate Ideas

·=         Analyze the reasons for the need, = want, or problem.

·        Investigate who or what it is that is affected,= and consider the need, want, or problem from their perspective.

·        Research any existing solutions, and identify w= hy they are not adequate or appropriate.

·        Listen to clients to solve problems that they h= ave discovered.

·        Perform market research to determi= ne if a want or need exists and warrants the development of a design solution.

4= .      Identify Criteria and Specify Constraints<= /o:p>

·=         Identify the end user if the clien= t is not.

·        Redefine the problem to the agreement of both c= lient and engineer.

·        Identify what the solution must do, and the deg= ree to which it will be pursued.

·        Identify the limitations within which the engin= eer must perform his/her duties.

·=         Compile the information into a des= ign brief.

5= .      Explore Possibilities

·=         Initiate further development of brainstorming ideas with constraints and tradeoffs considered.

·=         Explore alternative ideas based on further knowledge and technologies.

6= .      Select an Approach

·=         Create a decision-matrix to compar= e the attributes of the various ideas and analyze the trade-offs associated with = each one.

·        Verify alignment between the idea selected and the criteria and constraints.

7= .      Develop a Design Proposal

·=         Develop detailed and annotated ske= tches.

·        Determine the type(s) of material from which the solution will be constructed.

·        Make computer models.

·=         Create technical drawings from the computer model(s).

8= .      Make a Model or Prototype

·=         Make study models (scaled models or mock-ups).

·=         Fabricate a functional prototype. =

9= .      Test and Evaluate the Design using Specificatio= ns

·=         Test the prototype under controlled conditions.

·        Test the prototype under actual conditions.

·        Record the results.

·        Evaluate results to determine if problems exist and further work is needed.

1= 0. = Refine the Design

·=         Reassess the validity of the design criteria and make adjustments to the design brief, if necessary.=

·        Work through the design process until the solut= ion satisfies the design criteria.

·=         Update the documentation of the fi= nal solution.

1= 1. = Create or Make Solution

·=         Determine Custom/Mass Production.<= o:p>

·        Consider packaging.<= span style=3D'font-family:Arial'>

1= 2. = Communicate Processes and Results

·        Present oral presentations with vi= sual aids (computer generated slide show, models, prototype).

·        Develop written reports with appropriate graphic documentation (charts, graphs, technical drawings, renderings, etc.).<= /o:p>

·        Market the Product.

·=         Distribute.