Research Questionnaire and Results

Analysis of Existing Products

Ergonomics

Environment

SpecificationIdea Generation

Development of Ideas

Final Idea: Working Drawing

Plan of MakingManufacturing Process: Diary of MakingEnvironmental Issues

Questionnaire and ResultsTake time when thinking of a question or questions that you intend to ask. Keep questions simple.B. When writing your questions keep in mind the target population especially the age group concerned.C. Look at examples of pictograms and tables as these will give you ideas for your page layout.D. Remember to write aconclusion to your results – what have you found out and how can this help you generate your ideas?

Analysis of Existing Products1. Collect at least six designs from a number of sources including, catalogues, the internet,

photographs you have taken, newspapers etc....2. Place notes alongside each. These should explain where you found the design (ie.

website address or catalogue name), the aspects you like about the design and those aspects that could be improved.

3. Describe the product, how it works, its functions, aesthetic qualities, overall size, ergonomics, materials, cost, colour scheme etc..... and the safety of the device.

4. Display designs that are different. Do not display ideas that are virtually the same. The aim of this research sheet is to show that you have researched a range of existing ideas as

this will help you design your own idea.5. Say if you think the existing idea is suitable for the age range / target market you intend

to design for.6. When writing negative points about an aspect of an existing idea, always explain your

reasons and how you consider the aspect could be improved.

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Ergonomics is an important part of research. Whatever you design it must fit the person who is to use it. For example, if you are to design a door handle you may need to collect statistics regarding the size of hands. If you are designing a chair you will need to work out the average comfortable seating height.

1. Carefully consider the measurements that need collecting for your project. When designing a book shelf the average reaching height of an adult will need to be determined. When designing a watch strap the average circumference of a wrist will need to be calculated.2. At the top of the page, clearly explain the measurements you are to collect.3. Draw simple diagrams to represent the measurements you are to collect and label the dimensions - A, B, C etc... (see example)4. Collect the measurements of at least ten people and complete the table of statistics.5. Work out the average (mean average). This is achieved by calculating the total and dividing by the number of people taking part. Column ‘A’ of our example adds up to 1752. This total is divided by 12 as this is the number of people taking part. The answer is the average measurement.6. Do not collect too many measurements. The example opposite has room for four columns of statistics although only two have been used.7. Add notes and labels to the diagrams if you feel an explanation is necessary.8. At the bottom of the ergonomics page state clearly how you intend to use the statistic you have collected.9. The same guidance applies to collecting statistics about animals. For instance, if you are designing an automatic animal feeder it may be necessary to collect statistics regarding hamsters or gerbils. Which ever animal you choose set out the ergonomics research sheet in the same way as seen in the example opposite.

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Environment Research

Photo of intended environment Birds Eye Plan of environment

Description of intended environment and factors to consider

Description of intended user

SpecificationWhere will the product be used ?Who will use it? What materials and components could be used? When will it be used?Are there any size limitations Possible methods of production in school and industryCost of a commercially produced product Time scale to manufacture Surface finish Quality control and assurance issues Environmental, social and moral issues related to your product Use of new technology CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping and simulation software Ergonomic considerations Life of service

Check List:

Idea Generation

Generating of a range of innovative and original ideas

• Use pencil or a fine liner to sketch• Produce a range of ideas that are related to

the Spec and use info in the Research • Use a variety of drawing techniques-2D,3D,

Sections, Exploded views, Colour Rendering etc

• Add comments related to strengths and weaknesses of ideas, sizes, materials,

methods of construction• Use ICT to model specific elements

Drawing and Modelling

Size, Materials

How to make the product

Reference the idea back to the Specification

Improvements to idea

Development of Ideas

Evaluate ideas back to the Spec and justify reasons for development

Use a combination of 2D, 3D, First Generation modelling and photos to improve ideas

Use ICT, in particular 2D to refine ideas for manufacture

Produce a range of assembly and component Working Drawing that contain dimensions and

enough info for another person to make your product

Specification Points

4 ideas I really like

Final Design: Working Drawing

When Process Planning use a chart or flow diagram to plan practical work

Session / Time

Work to be done/process

Tools and Equipment Materials Quality Control and Health and

Safety

Making -1 sheet of in focus photographs that show the following:

• Used appropriate materials, components, equipment and processes (included CAM)

consistently correctly skilfully and safety

• Made a complete product of high quality

• Demonstrated an ability to satisfy accurately and completely all the demands of the design solution

Example - Completed Pages from Logbook

Environmental Issues:When you design a product it is very important that you design it with the environment in mind. The environment is always in the news especially damage caused by pollution and the waste we produce (eg. excessive packaging). Pollution is caused by manufacturing techniques although with your careful and thoughtful design and planning damage to the environment / pollution and waste can be reduced.

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