What is Design?

The word ”design” is often used to as a generic term that refers to anything that was made by a conscious human effort. Design is also a process that is used to systematically solve problems.

What is a Design process?

A design process is a systematic problem-solving strategy, with criteria and constraints, used to develop many possible solutions to solve or satisfy human needs or wants and to narrow down the possible solutions to one final choice.

Design process used in IED.

-Identify a Problem

-Generate Concepts

-Develop a Solution

-Construct and Test a Prototype

-Evaluate the Solution

-Present the Solution

1: Define the problem

Identify a problem

Validate the problem

Who says it is a problem?

Needs and wants

Prior solutions

Justify the problem

Is the problem worth solving?

Create design requirements (specifications)

Criteria and constraints

Project Proposal

2: Generate Concepts

Brainstorm possible solutions

Research

Apply STEM principles

Select an approach

Decision Matrix

Assess technology needs

Design Proposal

3: Develop as a Solution

Consider design validity

Function

Aesthetics

Ergonomics

Safety

Cost

Environment

Durability

Ease of Maintenance

Etc.

Create detailed design solution

Technical Drawings

4: Construct and test a prototype

Construct a testable prototype

Plan prototype testing

Performance

Usability

Durability

Test prototype and collect data

Analyze test data

Test Report

5: Evaluate the solution

Evaluate solution effectiveness

Reflect on design

Recommend improvements

Optimize/Redesign the solution

[Return to prior design process steps, if necessary]

Revise design documents

Project Recommendations

6:Present the solution

Document the project

Project Portfolio

Communicate the project

Formal Presentation

the design process is a non linear process. meaning you might have to skep or go back to some steps.