Designing

Design Process

Investigating Context: Design stage initiated by defining the problem and exploring its context. This process might include market research and identifying competitor products.
Identifying User Needs: The designer should understand what potential users want from the product, which can include functional, aesthetic, and environmental needs.
Generating Ideas: Brainstorming and other creative methods to develop a range of potential solutions to the design problem.
Developing Concepts: Refining and evaluating the ideas to choose the most suitable solution for development.
Modelling: Create sketches, drawings or 3D models of the chosen concept to test and evaluate its design and function.
Iterative Design: Continual process of testing, evaluation, and modification, refining the product until it meets the desired specifications.

Material Selection: The choice of materials can drastically impact the product’s form and function. Properties to consider might include strength, durability, cost, and ease of fabrication.
Aesthetics: The aesthetic considerations such as style, colour, shape and texture can contribute to the product’s market appeal.
Functionality: The product must perform its intended function effectively. This involves considering how the product will be used and designing it to meet these requirements.
Ergonomics: Design considerations around how the product will interact with its user. This could be the physical interaction (size, shape, comfort) or cognitive interaction (ease of use, understanding the product).
Sustainability: Conscious choice of materials and manufacturing processes that reduce environmental impact. Designing for disassembly, recyclability, and considering the product’s lifecycle.

Mock-ups: These are often simplified models made to test certain aspects of design, such as shape or size.
Functional Prototypes: These are working models of the final product that allow for more rigorous performance testing.
User Testing: It is critical to get the perspective of the targeted end users during the testing phase to ensure the product meets their needs and expectations.
Manufacture and Assembly Trials: Testing how the product will be produced on a wider scale, ensuring it can be replicated accurately and efficiently.

Feedback and Iteration: Eliciting feedback from trials and user testing to make any necessary refinements before final production.

Material Processing Techniques: Knowledge of how to manipulate materials effectively is key, such as forming, joining, and finishing processes.
Tooling and Machinery: Familiarity with different tools and machinery for processing materials is important.
Quality Control: Procedures and checks at various stages of the production process to maintain a consistent standard of production.
Cost Considerations: Work out the cost of materials, production, assembly, packaging, transport, and other overheads to ensure the product can be sold at a profit.
Regulations and Standards: Designs must adhere to safety and quality regulations to meet legislative requirements and customer confidence.