Junior Cert.

Theory

Design Process

3rd Year

The Design Process:

The design process has a very important place in engineering it is sometimes called product design. Designing involves thinking, creating, problem solving, decision-making etc. To design successfully we need to take into many factors such as: sizes, materials available, appearance, manufacture, safety etc. The diagram below shows the design process stages in a circular shape to illustrate that the design process should be flexible and some stages may have to be repeated until the required product is achieved. It is sometimes referred to as a design loop. 1 7 Test The Design Process Brief 2 Investigation 3 Ideas

Make 6 Working Drawings 5

Dev. Best Idea

The Design Process Summary

1
BRIEF or Problem The Brief is a short statement stating the problem or what you intend to design and make. Restrictions may be placed on the design i.e. materials, size, cost etc.

Investigation At this stage research into the problems involved is carried out. It should include the following steps. Functions (requirements): - List the main functions the design must achieve. Questions and comments: Things like appearance, size, strength, materials, human factors, safety etc. Research: - Carry out any research that is necessary. This includes looking at books, magazines, questioning people, visiting shops to obtain ideas, prices etc.

Junior Cert. Theory

Design Process Ideas

3rd Year

Various Ideas and Possible Solutions should be considered in sketch and in model form. This stage should stretch your imagination; consider a number of possible solutions. Avoid focussing on just one idea, even silly ideas should be considered.

Develop Ideas The most feasible ideas should be considered in detail. The main things to decide on are: Materials you hope to use Overall dimensions Construction methods Possible surface finish Machinery Equipment required.

Working Drawing or Model The working drawing(s) or model should provide enough information so that the product can be made. Note. It often saves time later if you plan out on paper exactly how you intend making the product.

Make The product is now made with improvements to the design if necessary.

Test / Evaluation The product is tested to see if it does the job it was intended for. If not it may be necessary to make some final design alterations. In some cases it may be necessary to start the whole process over again.

Note: To design successfully it is necessary to follow a logical series of steps or stages, if any stage is not included or ignored the final solution may not be what is required. There are different design processes, which may be followed depending on the problem to be solved i.e. whether a product or system is required.