Design Methodology
Design is the strategy that lays the premise for the making of any object or system. The final product of this process can be anything from products to graphical user interfaces to
buildings and open spaces. All design process at a fundamental level are similar. It involves a systematic approach in which art and the sciences come together towards achieving
stated objectives. The thought process involved is rational as well as intuitive at the same time. However it requires skill, training, and exposure to channelize the thought process
towards the stated objectives. Nature of the final object also involves the use of specific tools, technologies and resources.
The Design method can be developed into a systematic process, which includes identifying a need, defining the problem, conducting research, analyzing design criteria, finding alternative solutions, analyzing possible solutions, making a decision, presenting the product, and communicating and selling the product. The steps involved in a typical design process are discussed below. This generic system can be applied with minor modifications for the design of any Product, Built Environment, or Open spaces.
Step one - Understanding the Need : Communication with all stakeholders of the project. Profiling the user community. Study of existing level of development and competition.
Step two - Resources and Ownership : Available resources . Ascertaining ownership boundaries, legalities, local laws and regulations.
Step three - Design brief : Statement of purpose and design objectives.
Step Four - Ergonomics : To maximize human efficiency. To improve health and safety. To promote comfort, convenience and interest. To maximize performance reliability. This
generally requires the study of systems in which humans, machines and the environment interact, with the aim of fitting the task to the humans. Anthropometry is an important aspect of ergonomic studies which involves the study of human dimensions to ascertain size and space requirements.
Step Five - Environmental Impact : Environmental Impact profiling and Validation of sustainability issues.
Step Six - Design Ideation : Exploring more than one design idea. Presenting design concepts and communicating the idea.
Step Seven - Feedback, selection and improvement : Crystallization of the selected concept. Development and Articulation of the design in more detail.
Step Eight - Visualization, Prototyping : 3D Model and animation studies. Development of mock-up models and prototypes. Material, colour and finish studies.
Step Nine - Design improvement : Final validation of design concept before engineering resolution.
Step Ten- Engineering resolution and specifications : Engineering validation, manufacturing process selection, Material specifications, Colour specifications, finish specifications.
Step Eleven - Production details and manufacturing : CAD files, Working Drawings, Manufacturing Details and specifications, Material procurement, Mold making, Selection of
agencies, Manufacturing, Mass production, finishing, product literature, user manual and Packaging.
Step Twelve - Marketing : Marketing collaterals, Product launch
A handy Information kiosk designed by us. It had a Trackball mouse for navigation. Stainless steel trackballs were available, but the cost didn't permit us. This product was developed for an Environmental Research Institute.
Design is the strategy that lays the premise for the making of any object or system. The final product of this process can be anything from products to graphical user interfaces to
buildings and open spaces. All design process at a fundamental level are similar. It involves a systematic approach in which art and the sciences come together towards achieving
stated objectives. The thought process involved is rational as well as intuitive at the same time. However it requires skill, training, and exposure to channelize the thought process
towards the stated objectives. Nature of the final object also involves the use of specific tools, technologies and resources.
The Design method can be developed into a systematic process, which includes identifying a need, defining the problem, conducting research, analyzing design criteria, finding alternative solutions, analyzing possible solutions, making a decision, presenting the product, and communicating and selling the product. The steps involved in a typical design process are discussed below. This generic system can be applied with minor modifications for the design of any Product, Built Environment, or Open spaces.
Step one - Understanding the Need : Communication with all stakeholders of the project. Profiling the user community. Study of existing level of development and competition.
Step two - Resources and Ownership : Available resources . Ascertaining ownership boundaries, legalities, local laws and regulations.
Step three - Design brief : Statement of purpose and design objectives.
Step Four - Ergonomics : To maximize human efficiency. To improve health and safety. To promote comfort, convenience and interest. To maximize performance reliability. This
generally requires the study of systems in which humans, machines and the environment interact, with the aim of fitting the task to the humans. Anthropometry is an important aspect of ergonomic studies which involves the study of human dimensions to ascertain size and space requirements.
Step Five - Environmental Impact : Environmental Impact profiling and Validation of sustainability issues.
Step Six - Design Ideation : Exploring more than one design idea. Presenting design concepts and communicating the idea.
Step Seven - Feedback, selection and improvement : Crystallization of the selected concept. Development and Articulation of the design in more detail.
Step Eight - Visualization, Prototyping : 3D Model and animation studies. Development of mock-up models and prototypes. Material, colour and finish studies.
Step Nine - Design improvement : Final validation of design concept before engineering resolution.
Step Ten- Engineering resolution and specifications : Engineering validation, manufacturing process selection, Material specifications, Colour specifications, finish specifications.
Step Eleven - Production details and manufacturing : CAD files, Working Drawings, Manufacturing Details and specifications, Material procurement, Mold making, Selection of
agencies, Manufacturing, Mass production, finishing, product literature, user manual and Packaging.
Step Twelve - Marketing : Marketing collaterals, Product launch
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