Problem Solving

Design Process

Identify and Define a Problem Situation Opportunity Need Desire

When documenting the design process include background information that explains the situation, opportunity, need or desire.

Include pictures related to the background information.

Cite and add source to work cited page.

Develop a Design Brief Short statement

outlining the problem to solve. (The who, what, when, where, and why! Leave out the how!)

Describe what the designer must do.

Keep statement as general as possible without limiting solutions.

Include imagery of the problem to be addressed.

Cite the images and add source to work cited.

Task Analysis Analyze the task

ahead of you. Think about the

who, what, where, when, how.

Café Que Cost Aesthetics Function Ergonomics Quality User Environment

Investigate/Research Investigate situation or

problem. Research topics needed for

better understanding of possible solutions.

Interview clients, mentors, consumers

Observe similar ideas on the market

Explore Alternatives (limit inputs, expand inputs)

Look at target audience

Research Analysis Sum up what you

have learned from each section of investigation

Draw attention to important aspects of new ideas.

Specs & Limits Specification

Directions given for the design to adhere to.

Include priorities identified from your research and task analysis.

Limitations Related to the inputs

of a system. Include priorities

identified from your research and task analysis.

Include extents or minimums.

Brainstorm Ideas Use various designing

strategies. Sketch ideas for various

parts of the problem. Use a matrix to

generate various ideas. Identify points about

your ideas related to specifications and limitations.

Alternative Solutions Use brainstorming to create viable solutions

to the design problem. Develop 3-5 viable solutions. Make decisions about materials, size, and

manufacturing process. Describe the each solution thoroughly. Label materials expected to use. Provide some sort of scale/size. Detail decisions based on specifications.

Select a Solution Tools Materials Time Energy Information People Capital

Identify the Pros and Cons of each alternative Solution

Check solutions against your Café Que list.

Discussion of intentions for the final solution

Develop Final Concept Drawings or Plan of final solution

Provide a model for expected solution

Modeling Concepts Form model -

expressing 3D volume only

Aesthetic model - expressing form and finish

Cardboard Clay Foam core board Balsa Oak tag Poster board Foam Whatever is appropriate

Develop the Idea (consider outputs) Develop Working

Drawings Plan of Procedures

to include Supply, Material, Tool, and Parts Lists along with construction steps.

Timetable/Action Plan

Prototype Modeling Process energy,

materials & information

Produce exact replica of solution

Replicate form, aesthetics and function

Test Procedures Develop testing

procedures much like doing a scientific lab.

Describe the expectations of the final solutions.

Document the test procedures in numbered steps to follow while testing.

Provide hypothesis of results.

Test, Evaluate & Improve Experiment (process

energy, sometimes material and information)

Analyze the Design (Feedback investigation)

Evaluate (materials, function, information)

Make Improvements (change drawings, materials, information)