Design briefs and specifications

A design brief is an essential part of the design process, outlining what is to be achieved by the design.
It serves as the initial guide for the designer, specifying the problem to be solved and any requirements or constraints.
Design briefs include the purpose of the design, who it’s for, what it should do, and considerations around cost, materials, or sustainability.
A well-constructed brief ensures clear communication between the client and the designer, minimising misinterpretations.

A design brief should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
The specific element identifies exactly what needs to be achieved and the problem the design is intended to solve.
The measurable aspect outlines how the success of the design will be evaluated.
Attainable refers to what is practically possible given the available resources.
Relevancy indicates how the design fits into broader strategies or goals.
Time-bound element sets out the duration for the design process and any key milestones or deadlines.

Design specifications are detailed requirements for a design, which may include functional, aesthetic, economic, or performance-related factors.
They are often split into ‘must’ and ‘could’ categories, giving clarity on what is essential and what is desirable but not crucial.
These provide a checkpoint for designers during the design process and help in evaluating the final design during the testing phase.

The functional specification describes what the design must do or the task it must perform.
The aesthetic specification outlines the sensory qualities of the design, such as appearance, texture, or colour.
The economic specification details the expected costs for material, manufacturing, and marketing of the design.
Performance-related specifications might include strength, durability, space requirements, or energy efficiency.
Other specifications could relate to safety standards, ergonomics, environmental impact, or social and ethical implications.

Specifications ensure that the design meets the needs of the end-user and all other stakeholders.
They serve as a road map for the design, guiding the designer and helping to keep them focussed on meeting the brief.
A well-crafted specification results in a better design, avoids costly design changes, and speeds up the overall design process.

Designers refer to the specifications regularly throughout the design process to ensure they are meeting the brief.
During the testing and evaluation phase, the design is checked against the specifications to verify that it has met all the requirements.
Where the design falls short, it will need to be adjusted and retested, while successful adherence to the specifications indicates that objectives have been met.