9TX1 Learning Block 1 - Design Specification

A design specification is...

• a short statement that identifies what a designer plans to do, for whom, where it should be used and why they have decided to follow this route.

• the way that something looks, also called aesthetics.

• a list of criteria your product needs to address in order to be successful.

• a range of research strategies that are used by designers to gather relevant information.

Specification points should be...

• clear and concise statements.

• no more that 5 words.

• descriptive and long.

• an analysis of your research and how this will help you design the product.

Most specification points should be...

• justified by your research.

• made up so you can design what you would like.

• discussing more than one point.

• in the 'function' category.

It is important that some specification points are ...

• complex and analytical.

• completed after you have drawn the designs.

• longer and more of a discussion.

• technical and measurable.

Is this a good or a bad specification point?

“The colour scheme will be based on blue and red as these colours are the most popular - as seen in my questionnaire”.

• This is a good point because it is concise and is justified by research.

• This is a bad point because it should have more explanation on how many people wanted which colour.

• This is a bad point because it is to long and descriptive.

Which category should this point be placed in?

“The colour scheme will be based on blue and red as these colours are the most popular - as seen in my questionnaire”.

• Function

• Cost

• Performance requirements

• Form

The 'Scale of Production' category should contain points relating to...

• the cost of manufacturing the product.

• time scale for the project and how the product will be manufactured.

• the size of the product.

• the shape and size of the product.

"The bag must fasten with a zip, to ensure items are secure while travelling."

Which category would be the best place this specification point?

• Cost

• Sustainability

• Form

• Materials and components

‘The product must fold away to fit in the cupboard underneath a bedside cabinet (540 mm × 400 mm × 450mm) so that it can be stored easily in the customer’s compact and cluttered room.’

• this point is technical, measurable and justified.

• this point is not justified.

• this point is far to long.

• this point is too technical.

"The product will cost £10"

• this point is good because it is technical, measurable and justified.

• this point is not justified so it could be better.

• this point is perfect because it is clear and concise.

• this point is too technical and so could be improved.