Design Process
IDMEC
INVESTIGATION
● What is the problem/ need that has been identified?
○ WHO will use the product?
○ WHAT will it do or be used for?
○ HOW will it look like?
○ WHAT will it cost?
● Research
○ Costs
○ Possible suitable materials
○ Competitor/ comparative products
○ Possible Skills and tools that will be needed
2
DESIGN
→ PLANNING, SKETCHING, DRAWING, CALCULATING,
MODELLING.
● A DESIGN BRIEF is the starting point
○ “Design and make a model of …”
● List the specifications
○ These are what the design MUST have - they are not negotiable
○ Size and dimensions
○ Materials, colour etc
○ Where it must be built or used.
○ Target market - who will be using it.
● Describe the Constraints
○ Limitations that can slow down/ challenge the make
○ These are usually time, budget (cost), labour/ skills, weather, materials
○ It is VERY important that you go into details and describe the constraints and not
just list them - explain why each factor is a limitation.
● Draw sketch ideas
○ 3D sketches
○ Add Shading & rendering (texture)
○ Add notes to the sketches about materials and construction
3
● Draw Isometric diagram
○ 30 degree
○ All lines must be parallel
○ No shading needed unless specified
○ Scale is important
○ Neat pencil lines
● Draw Orthographic Working drawings
○ 2Ddrawings
○ Front, Side & Top view
○ Must show construction lines
● Dimensions:
○ Add dimensions to orthographic
working drawings
○ All measurements in mm (do not
write the mm on the drawing)
○ Use sharp HB pencil and ruler
○ Follow all conventions/ rules for adding dimensions (top and left of the line)
● Budget:
○ A final budget must be drawn up which includes all costs (See the note on
Budgets)
MAKE
● Build a model or prototype
○ Use materials such as cardboard, paper, sosatie sticks, wooden blocks, plastic
○ Use RECYCLED materials as much as possible.
○ Decide on suitable tools and resources
○ Make a model the correct size
○ Work neatly and use materials without wastage.
○ A flow diagram will show the sequence of production.
4
EVALUATE
● Assess the model you have made
○ Look at the specifications and constraints and see if they were met
○ What are the good elements of the model
○ How can the model be improved
○ Suggest recommendations
○ Evaluate how the team members contributed to the task
○ Evaluate the environmental impact of the product / project.
● Did this model solve the problem?
COMMUNICATE
● Present the model to the class/ teacher/ client
○ Explain how your model works
○ Identify and explain the strengths of the model and how it meets the brief
○ Suggest areas for improvement.
○ Describe which elements need to be changed.