CYCLE THREE - FROM IMPROVED DESIGNS TO INITIAL EVALUATION / CONCLUSIONS

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IMPORTANT - Following the iterative design process, the designer can jump between cycles or utilise any of the ‘design tools’, in almost any order, any number of times, until a final product is manufactured and evaluated. This iterative design process is for guidance only.

1. IMPROVEMENTS TO SELECTED DESIGNS
After receiving feedback and having carried out a survey of your initial ideas, select two, three or four for further development. This will involve more detailed drawings, models, feedback, testing etc...

Sample Design Sheet - Further Development

OTHER USEFUL PAGES
Focussed Questionnaire
Survey / Questionnaire

2. FOCUSSED ANTHROPOMETRIC RESEARCH, LEADING TO ERGONOMIC DESIGNS
There may be a need for you to do more anthropometric research, which will lead to an improved design. This type of research may be best carried out in an earlier design cycle. You decide what is best.

Focussed Ergonomics Research based on the Direct Needs of the Client.

3. MATERIALS TESTING
Testing the materials you are using or intend to use is vital. When you are making models or simply sketching, you may feel it is the right time to test materials. Alternatively, materials testing on a separate design sheet or two.

Sample Testing and Evaluation Sheet

OTHER USEFUL PAGES
Materials Research / Development - a Practical Approach
Materials Research / Development Summary Sheet
Advanced Material Tests

4. ENVIRONMENT / SUSTAINABILITY
At almost every stage, include your knowledge of the environmental needs and requirements of the manufacturer, potential customer and the Law. Also, display your understanding of the 6 Rs (Reduce, Rethink, Refuse, Recycle, Reuse, Repair). How will the ideas you are developing fulfil any environmental needs?

The Three Rs - Reduce, Recycle, Reuse

Closed Loop Recycling
Closed Loop Recycling - Example Product
Recycling - Upcycling
Recycling - Downcycling
Environmental Modenism (Ecological Modernism)
Revision Cards - Environmental Modernism
The Life Cycle of a Product
Specific Environmental Design Sheet
Life Cycle Energy Analysis
Sustainability - What is a Sustainable Forest?

5. TESTING OF 3D PROTOTYPES
At this point you may want to put your higher quality models through a form of product testing. Ensure that you record plenty of client / customer / focus group feedback.

Sample Design Sheet that includes Testing and Customer Feedback

6. CLIENT / TARGET MARKET INPUT / FEEDBACK
Questionnaires / surveys / customer testing - all will provide valuable knowledge and suggestions for improvements. Consider written feedback, audio recordings, video recordings etc....

Sample Design Sheet that includes Testing and Customer Feedback

7. INITIAL EVALUATION / CONCLUSIONS
Write an evaluation / summary of what you have found and what you think you need to do to progress with one selected idea / design. You should also evaluate your ideas as they take shape.

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