Design Process The design process is a method of planning

practical solutions to problems.

The design process is never final; there are always multiple solutions to a problem.

The design process is influenced by requirements called criteria and constraints.

The Design Process

Define the Problem

Investigation

Develop Alternative Solutions

Choose the Best Solution

Models or Prototypes

Testing & Evaluating

Define the Problem

Defining the problem is like conducting detective work. You must examine the evidence and form some conclusions.

Example:

Design a vehicle that can communicate with other vehicles to prevent accidents.

Investigation

Researching information that you need to help design your product.

Examples:

Read books and magazines

View films or videos

Search the Internet

Ask questions of the “experts”

Develop Alternative SolutionsDevelop multiple ideas that will solve the problem and meet the requirements.

Criteria:

How will the solution actually work?

What materials should I use?

What should the product look like?

Constraints:

What size should it be?

Choose the Best Solution

Decide on an idea that best meets the criteria and constraints. Draft the final design plan.

List the strengths and weaknesses of each alternative.

Make improvements to the design idea.

Trade-off – Giving up one desirable trait for another

Models and Prototypes

Construct the solution! Prototypes - first version of a solution Models- actual size or to scale

Examples:

Models are small, accurate representations of the final product.

A prototype is a working model; it looks and functions just like the finished product

3D CAD (computer aided designs) can show objects in action.

Testing and Evaluating

Does it work? Does it solve the problem? Will modifications improve the solution?

The Design Process

Reenter the Design Process at any point