Unit R038 - Engineering Design - Topic Area 1 - Retrieval A

Linear design is.........

• A design process that goes from start to finish in a systematic order.

• Designing products with straight edges.

• Designing products using a cycle approach of constant feedback and updates.

• Designing a product that focuses on aesthetically pleasing features.

Iterative design is a cycle approach that focuses on frequent testing and client feedback during the prototyping and modelling. Why is it preferred over linear design?

• The product is better.

• It provides jobs for more design engineers.

• The customer ends up with the most refined version of the product.

• Iterative design uses more CAD.

When following inclusive design principles what should the designer aim to achieve?

• That all stages of the design process have been followed.

• The design should effortlessly allow usage by the widest range of people without need for extra modification or accessories to be added.

• A highly ergonomic product.

• A happy customer.

User-centred design is putting the (a)   at the heart of every decision made during the design process.

Two disadvantages of user-centred design are?

• It can lead to the design process taking a longer time than a conventional linear apprach.

• You have to talk to lots of people.

• It is part of the iterative design process.

• The end product can be restricted to one particular type of person rather than a group of people which can limit the scope of sales.

For something to be sustainable it's use should have minimal negative impact on the environment, our health or the world around us. Bearing this in mind which of these products are a sustainable design?

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Answer explanation

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing crops available. So long as it is responsibly harvested it is an incredibly sustainable material choice. If no plastics are used in the cups construction they are also fully compostable at end of life.

Ergonomics is the process of designing a product to fit the needs of the user. It can involve things like making sure the product is comfortable and efficient to use. Below are two types of product; a mouse and a bottle. Select the version of each that has the most obvious and defined ergonomic features.

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Answer explanation

Mouse 1 uses a more curved design that allows better utilisation and comfort of the thumb on the ball feature for scrolling and possibly drawing whilst carrying out CAD activities.

Bottle 2 has an angled neck to make drinking from the bottle easier, rubber grips for hand comfort and notches for gripping with the fingers.

Iterative design has 3 fundamental elements or processes that happen through its use as a design model. What are they?

• Explore - Create - Evaluate

• Stop - Look - Listen

• Try - Do - Act

• CAD - CAM - CNC

Answer explanation

Iterative design is a cyclic (cycle) approach. Where:

A problem should be

identified (explore).

Models and designs should be considered (Create).

As much feedback as possible should be achieved on the design proposals (Evaluate).

Ergonomic design as a process can also carry some disadvantages for both the designer and the end user. Which of the below are examples of this.

• Products with many ergonomic features can be difficult to use if the end user is not instructed or trained in the products use.

• Incorporating ergonomics into a design can significantly increase the cost of manufacture.

• Ergonomic features can make a product have a narrow scope and exclude certain demographics.

• Ergonomic products can take longer to get to market due to the extensive testing, design work and feedback process.

Using a sustainable design and following sustainable design processes can improve a businesses (a)   .