I.T. class reading

reading number 1

The Design Process

(adapted from http://www.bergen.org/technology/despro.html (for more details go to the web site)

The design process is used in manufacturing. Usually a need is identified and the inventor/designer meets the need. Once the prototype is approved, the design is manufactured (built as per specifications).

THE PROBLEM – also think of as a “need” remember the Greatest Canadian Invention? What need did each of the inventors try to fill?

THE DESIGN BRIEF- think of it as the “solution” or meeting the need
PROBLEM: Blind people cannot play many of the indoor games available to sighted people.
· DESIGN BRIEF: Design a game of dominoes that can be played by blind people.
· PROBLEM: The handle of a pot becomes too hot to hold when the pot is heated.
· DESIGN BRIEF: Design a handle that remains cool when the pot is heated.

INVESTIGATION

FUNCTION: A functional object must solve the problem described previously. The basic question to ask is “How will I use this?”
APPEARANCE: How will the object look? The shape, color, and texture should make the object attractive.
MATERIALS: What materials are available to you? You should think about the cost of these materials. Are they affordable? Do they have the right physical properties, such as strength, rigidity, color, and durability?
CONSTRUCTION: Will it be hard to make? Consider what methods you will need to cut, shape, form, join, and finish the material.
SAFETY: The object you design must be safe to use. It should not cause accidents.

DEVELOPING ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

CHOOSING A SOLUTION

MODELS AND PROTOTYPES

TESTING AND EVALUATING

(Does it work? Does it meet the design brief? Will modifications improve the solution?)

MANUFACTURING

production of item. “The company is satisfied with the design. It knows that it is marketable (will sell). It must decide how many to make. Products may be mass-produced in low volume or high volume. Specialized medical equipment is produced in hundreds. Othe products, for example nuts and bolts, are produced in large volume. Millions may be made.

The task of making the product is divided into jobs. Each worker trains to do one job. As workers complete their special jobs, the product takes shape. Mass production saves time. Since workers train to do a particular job, each becomes skilled in that job. Also, automatic equipment does such things as:
· Cut and shape materials
· Weld parts together
· Spray on final finishes

Think of “How do they make that?” videos.
The process must be recorded checked and rechecked so that the manufacturing is reproducible.


Draw a diagram to help you remember the Design process.
(use arrows or lines to show the process)