The Design Folder

Consistency

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 13:23:48 +0000

A simple way of making your Design Folder look professional is to make sure it is consistent. This doesn't mean that every page should be identical - but that common elements should be used with careful consideration. A standard mechanism is to create a standard border and use dates and titles in a uniform manner. In the project shown below, it's obvious that each and every page "belongs" to the one Folder.

Statement of Problem

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:21:39 +0000

An explanation of the task set - identifying the problem and highlighting an opportunity for Design. It describes the problem you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to solve the problem, only what the problem is.

List a range of things that you will need to consider and research.

The Design Brief

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:27:05 +0000

A design brief is a written explanation, outlining the aims and objectives of a design project.

In is best not to make your Design brief too detailed because this can place restrictions on your design. For example, instead of writing:

"Design and make a Pocket Puzzle"

It would be better to say something like:

"Design and make a portable, travel game for a young person"

You should begin by explaining the task you have chosen or the problem you hope to solve by designing and making your product. One way of doing this is to clearly explain the factors you need to consider when designing your product.

- The purpose of the product
- The type of people who would use the product
- The environment the product would be designed for
- Any constraints or special considerations which will influence your design
- How the product would be manufactured commercially

When writing a design brief chose the words that you use carefully. It is best not to make your design brief too detailed because this can place restrictions upon your design.

Brainstorming

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:37:56 +0000

Specification

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:38:56 +0000

A specification is a statement that tells the designer exactly what the product has to do and what the design requirements are. A specification will always:

- Describe what the product has to do.
- Describe what the product will look like.
- Include details of any other requirements.

A detailed specification should include the following:
- The function of the product
- The overall dimensions of the product
- The main materials to be used
- An outline of the appearance of the product
- User requirements and target market
- Technical details in needed.
- Anthropometric and Ergonomic considerations.
- Safety and environmental considerations.
- Approximate cost of the product.

Research

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:40:30 +0000

Production Plan

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:41:38 +0000

Product Analysis

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:42:59 +0000

The investigation and analysis of existing products in the market place. By observing and comparing a variety of products that relate to you brief, you can make judgements on good and poor design that may impact on you own solution.

Initial Designs

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:44:12 +0000

Many and varied ‘rough’ sketches of concepts that have the potential to solve your brief. The sketches must be annotated and will therefore offer information that goes beyond your drawing ability.

Must show a range of diverse ideas.

Development of Designs

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:45:17 +0000

Focusing on one of your 'initial ideas' (the one with the most potential), develop in detail your proposed solution. Details should include ergonomic factors, dimensions, suggestion of materials to be used and a mention and illustration of methods of fabrication.

Final Design

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:46:17 +0000

This should include a clear (dimensioned) orthographic drawing of your developed idea to a specific scale and if necessary, a sectional view through the object. Included should be a ‘presentation’ drawing either conventionally drawn and rendered or drawn using ‘ProDesktop’ or Google Sketchup.’

Evaluation

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:49:05 +0000

This should not be seen in isolation. Evidence of evaluation should be present throughout every area of your design folio (this is called 'formative evaluation'.) However, a final ‘summative’ testing of your product is also required. These problem solving decisions and alterations should be documented in detail.

Time Plan

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:53:57 +0000

Develop a chart (using Excel) using an X axis representing a time line and a Y axis that represents the tasks to be undertaken. The schedule must be closely adhered to, in order to meet your deadlines.

Keywords and Phrases

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:55:28 +0000

Indentify some Vocabulary that you might need to refer to in your project.

Bibliography and Referencing

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 16:57:27 +0000