Design Processes

The Design Process

Idea Generation: This is the first phase of the design process where creative thinking and problem-solving skills are used to generate innovative ideas. It may involve market research, brainstorming sessions or customer insights.
Concept Development: In this phase, the initial ideas are developed into a more concrete design. Some of the key activities include sketching, making models, CAD modelling, and rapid prototyping.
Design Review and Refinement: Once the concept design is ready, it is critically evaluated for feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Desired changes and improvements are made in this phase based on feedback.
Material Selection: The type of material to be used in production is decided upon in this stage. The choice of material can depend on factors like the product’s function, required properties of the material, cost, and sustainability.
Manufacturing Planning and Execution: Detailed planning for production is done at this stage. This might involve developing a working prototype for testing, creating production plans and schedules, and ensuring quality control measures.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Digital software used in the design and development of products. Provides the ability to create accurate 3D models, run simulations and generate detailed blueprints.
CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacture): Software used in the manufacturing phase. Enables automated machining processes, reducing labor costs, and improving precision and efficiency.

What is Iterative Design?: This is a design methodology based on a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysing, and refining the product. Through iterations, products can be continuously improved until they meet the desired quality standards.
Advantages of Iterative Design: Reduced risk of failure as there is constant testing and refining; improved user experience as user feedback can be incorporated throughout the design process; better end product as it’s tailored to meet user requirements effectively.

DFMA: An engineering methodology that involves designing products in such a way as to make them easy to manufacture and assemble. The objective is to minimise the manufacturing cost, improve product quality and reduce the product development cycle.
Benefits of DFMA: Helps in reducing the number of parts, simplifying assembly operations, enhances ease of manufacturing, which helps in reducing product cost and improving product reliability.