IGCSE Design and Technology - Design Process: Needs, Analysis & Design Brief

1. Identification of Needs

The design process begins with understanding the needs of the end-user. This involves identifying a problem or opportunity that the design can address. Needs can be functional (what the product should do), aesthetic (how it should look), or ergonomic (how comfortable it is to use).

• Identifying the target user: Who will be using the product? (e.g., age, abilities, lifestyle)
• Recognising problems or opportunities: What are the current difficulties or unmet needs?
• Brainstorming potential solutions: Generating a wide range of ideas, without initial judgment.
• Considering user context: Where and how will the product be used?

Methods for identifying needs include:

• Observation: Observing people in their natural environment.
• Questionnaires: Gathering information from potential users through surveys.
• Interviews: Conducting one-on-one conversations with users.
• Focus groups: Facilitating discussions with a group of users.
• Reviewing existing products: Identifying strengths and weaknesses of current solutions.

2. Analysis and Research

Once needs are identified, further analysis and research are crucial. This stage involves gathering information to understand the problem in more detail and to inform the design process.

• Market research: Examining existing products and competitors.
• Material research: Investigating suitable materials for the product.
• Technical research: Exploring available technologies and manufacturing processes.
• Environmental considerations: Assessing the environmental impact of the design.
• Cost analysis: Estimating the cost of materials and manufacturing.

Research methods include:

• Internet research: Using online resources for information.
• Visiting libraries and museums: Accessing physical resources.
• Conducting experiments: Testing different materials or concepts.
• Analysing competitor products: Identifying design features and functionality.

3. Design Brief and Specification

The design brief is a document that outlines the requirements for the design. It summarizes the needs identified and the research conducted. The design specification provides more detailed information about the product's features, performance, and constraints.

3.1 Design Brief

A design brief typically includes:

• Project Title: A clear and concise name for the project.
• Client: Who is commissioning the design?
• Project Description: A summary of the project's objectives.
• Target User: Who is the product for?
• Needs: What problems does the product solve?
• Constraints: Limitations on the design (e.g., budget, materials, time).
• Objectives: What are the desired outcomes of the design?

3.2 Design Specification

A design specification provides detailed information about the product. It includes:

Feature	Description	Materials	Dimensions	Performance Requirements
Functionality	What the product will do.			Must meet specific performance criteria.
Ergonomics	How comfortable the product is to use.			Must be comfortable for the intended user.
Aesthetics	How the product looks.			Must be visually appealing to the target user.
Materials	The materials to be used in the product.	Specify material type and properties.		Must be durable and suitable for the intended use.
Manufacturing	How the product will be manufactured.			Must be cost-effective and efficient.

The design brief and specification are essential documents that guide the design process and ensure that the final product meets the needs of the end-user.