The Design Process

By Gamal Prather

THE DESIGN PROCESS

• The design process is an engineering activity that turns a concept into reality.

• The concept is a solution to a specific problem or a perceived need.

THE DESIGN PROCESS

• The process from concept to solution is not random.

– It is a logical sequence of steps to develop the best solution to a specific problem.

THE DESIGN PROCESS• The design

process is not a one-way street ending in the finished product.

THE DESIGN PROCESS• It is a series of

stages and check-points where each step in this process can be reviewed and analyzed.

• Modifications or refinements can be made to the concept.

7 STAGES IN THE DESIGN PROCESS1. Problem Identification2. Conceptualization3. Refinement of Preliminary Ideas4. Design Analysis5. Development and Implementation6. Optimization 7. Presentation

STAGE 1: IDENTIFY PROBLEMS• Market

research• Design Brief• Identification

constraints• A CRITICAL

stage

STAGE 2: DEVELOP CONCEPTS• Ideation

– Brainstorming (words)

– Sketching (images)

• Data collection• Information

resources

Concept sketches of cycling shoesConcept sketches of cycling shoes

STAGE 3: REFINE IDEAS

• Identification of workable, realistic solutions

• Develop detailed, annotated sketches

• Graphical analysis of possible solutions

STAGE 4: DESIGN ANALYSIS• Compare

alternatives and specifications

• Create a Decision Matrix

• Generate alternate solutions

• Reduce # of potential solutions

A Design Matrix

• Using a matrix, select a workable solution

STAGE 5: DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION• Preliminary

documentation of the final design– Engineering drawings

(ie. Multi-view drawings)

• Prototyping of the selected design

• Testing and Analysis of prototype

STAGE 6: OPTIMIZE

• Reassess design specifications• Implement modifications• Update 3D models and engineering

drawings

STAGE 7: PRESENTATION• Oral report• Written report• Visual aids

– Models– Powerpoint

Slideshow– Videos

Resources:

Engineering Drawing and Design (2nd Edition)Madsen, Shumaker, Stark, and TurpinDelmar PublishersISBN 0-8273-6720-1

Engineering Design Communication (Preliminary Edition)Johnson and LockhartAddison-Wesley PublishersISBN 0-201-38042-0

Sources

• www.cardesignnews.com– Search query “Z4”

• Project Lead the Way– www.pltw.org