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Design and Management
Designing - Suggested Answers
Activity 1
List the seven steps in the design process.
- identifying and defining the problem
- analysing information
- synthesis
- research
- evaluating and selecting appropriate solutions
- implementing choices
- evaluation
Activity 2
From your reading of the information in relation to the design process, complete the following passage by entering the appropriate word from the given list.
- questions
- interviews
- analysing
- evaluation
- resources
- answers
- safety
- development
- construction
As a part of analysing information in the design process, questions need to be documented in relation to such issues as: time, cost, safety, materials, processes, function, appearance and ergonomics. Synthesis follows the analysis and provides answers to the questions. Usually it is impossible to answer all the questions until the project is virtually completed. Some questions can only be answered when the research section has been completed. For example, questions on the choice of materials, or the way ergonomics is applied, must be answered after research is undertaken in such areas.
Research needs to be undertaken in relation to such maters as suitable materials, ergonomic factor, related safety factors and existing products. Research may be undertaken by using such resources as the library, the Internet / CD-ROMs/DVDs and interviews with people with the aim of helping to solve the design problem
The evaluation of an appropriate solution draws on the information collected and presented during research. Documenting the appropriate solution includes the development of detailed graphical information that will allow the construction or manufacture of the project.
Implementing choices involves the construction of the final product. This stage is undertaken from the detailed documentation. During the construction of the project issues such as time, safety, materials and processes also need to be simultaneously considered.
The stage of evaluation involves the determination of what are the criteria for a successful project and to what extent has the completed project solved the identified problem? Social issues, health and safety, ethical and environmental issues should be considered in relation to the final project.
Activity 3
Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the scientific study of human work. Ergonomics considers the physical and mental capabilities and limits of the worker as he or she interacts with tools, equipment, work methods, tasks and the working environment.
Activity 4
The ergonomic factors that need to be considered include the suitability of the size and shape in relation to the human hand. The controls need to be easily operated, thereby requiring that they are readily accessible and of a suitable dimension. The device also needs to be operated in a manner that accommodates a suitable working position for the operator.
Activity 5
The appropriate use of materials in the development of a project is paramount to its ultimate success.
Composite materials would largely be used as they eliminate the use of heavy structural metals, thereby reducing the weight considerably. Composites also allow the development of more contoured and aerodynamic exterior surfaces.
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