Chapter 3

Overview of the Design Process

Design-Specific Terms

The Design-Specific terms on which we will focus attention are:

1. Attributes.
2. Engineering characteristics.
3. Specifications.
4. Constraints.
5. Concepts.
Attributes: Driving the Process

• Product design should meet the needs and wants of end-users, which are often expressed as
attributes.
• Identifying users with similar needs helps to identify a target market and understand required
product attributes.
• Attributes can be divided into desired, required, and contingent categories.

Example:
Engineering Characteristics: Quantified
Attributes
• Engineering characteristics are features of the product as seen from the designer's perspective
and are expressed in engineering units
• Engineering characteristics are derived from the required attributes of the target market in
measurable quantities
• Engineering characteristics provide targets for the design team to aim for

Example:
Constraints: Defining the Solution Space

• Products are produced with consideration of various constraints such as regulatory, financial,
legal, and physical limitations.
• Constraints define the range of acceptable solutions and can vary depending on the context or
intended use of the product.

Example:
Aptera Motors: Redefining Electric Vehicles
Aptera Motors: Redefining Electric Vehicles

• Innovative Aerodynamics: Aptera’s shark shape sets a new standard for aerodynamic
efficiency in vehicles, potentially revolutionizing car design.
• Solar-Powered Advantage: Featuring integrated solar cells, Aptera's vehicles can self-charge,
reducing reliance on charging stations.
• Exceptional Range: Aptera claims its vehicles can achieve ranges that far exceed current
electric vehicles, targeting the elimination of range anxiety.
• Cutting-Edge Materials: Utilizing lightweight composite materials, Aptera enhances both
vehicle efficiency and performance.
Aptera Motors: Redefining Electric Vehicles

• Engineering Pioneering: The challenge of engineering a highly aerodynamic, solar-powered

car requires pushing the boundaries of current automotive technology.
• Consumer Adoption: With its unconventional design, Aptera must navigate potential
consumer reservations about adopting such a novel vehicle concept.
• Safety and Regulation: Meeting safety standards and regulatory approvals for a uniquely
designed vehicle can present significant hurdles.
• Potential Industry Impact: Should Aptera's approach prove successful, it could pave the way
for a new era of sustainable and efficient personal transportation.
Specifications: Our Product

• The design process involves creating specifications for a product based on engineering
characteristics and constraints.
• Trade-offs may need to be made between mutually exclusive or conflicting engineering
characteristics, or between characteristics and constraints.
• The design engineer must process information from end users, consider all required attributes
and desired attributes, and handle contingent attributes according to their status.
Concepts: Moving to a Solution

• Concepts require understanding of key principles related to the task

• First principles understanding is essential for successful design
• Example: deep understanding of wireless communication and battery technology is necessary
for designing a new cell phone
• Example: understanding of user experience and ergonomics is necessary for designing a
successful smartphone concept
Summary of The Terms

• There are various types of attributes that a product should have, including required attributes
that are necessary for the product to meet the needs of the target market, desired attributes that
are desirable for the end user, and desired attributes for the company that may not be important
to the end user.
• There are also various types of constraints that a product must meet, including hard constraints
imposed by the environment, government regulations, and legal system, and internal constraints
based on company policies and goals.
• It is important for the design team to consider both attributes and constraints when developing
concepts for a new product, in order to create a design that meets the needs and desires of the
target market while also being feasible to produce and sell.
Example

• In designing a new type of solar panel, the following attributes, engineering characteristics,
specifications, constraints, and concepts may be considered:

Attributes:
• Should be able to generate enough electricity to meet the energy needs of the intended user.
• Should be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as high winds and heavy rain.
• Should be easy to install and maintain.
• Should have a long lifespan.
Example Continues

Engineering characteristics:
• Should have a high conversion efficiency, meaning it must be able to efficiently convert sunlight into
electricity.
• Material: Type of Semiconductor used
• Weather resistance: ability to withstand various environmental conditions like winds, snow load, and UV
exposure.

Specifications:
• Should be able to generate at least X watts of electricity under standard test conditions.
• Should have a conversion efficiency of at least Y%.
• Should have a lifespan of at least Z years.
• Should be able to withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/h
Example Continues

Constraints:
• Must meet all relevant safety and performance standards set by regulatory bodies.
• Should be cost-effective to manufacture and sell.
• Should be able to fit within certain physical constraints, such as the available space on the roof
or the weight capacity of the mounting system.
Concepts:
• Should use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight into electricity.
• Should have a means of storing excess energy, such as a battery or connection to the grid.
• Should have a way to protect against power surges and overcharging.
Design Stages

The following sections discuss the five stages of the design process.
The Five Stages of Product Design

1- Idea Generation:
• Idea generation is the stage where creativity is introduced into the design process.
• Brainstorming and other techniques are used to generate new ideas.

2- Conceptual Design:
• Conceptual design is the stage in which the problem or opportunity is identified and ideas are
generated to solve sub-problems and develop concepts that address various aspects of the task.
• This stage is a rough first cut at the design and frequently involves sketching out ideas without
any details worked out. It focuses on finding and comparing conceptual solutions to the
problem and identifying the most effective one to carry forward into the next phase.
The Five Stages of Product Design

3- Detailed Design:
• Idea generation is the stage where creativity is introduced into the design process.
• Brainstorming and other techniques are used to generate new ideas.
Projects

1. Smart Parking System: Use ultrasonic sensors to detect open parking spots and display
availability on a mobile app/Whatsapp.
2. Smart Trash Bin: Students can design a trash bin that sorts recyclables from non-recyclables
using sensors.