This section is where you will look into developing and improving your design ideas. it is expected that you will make a number of developments - not just develop one idea. to ensure you do this appropriately you will need to reflect on your list of master requirements and consider all the research, feedback and ongoing evaluations you have done. it is key that the developments you make are justified and purposeful.
With the above in mind, you should consider developing at least 4 of the ideas - this will allow you to avoid fixation and continue to explore a range of potential ideas. As you work through this development you will start to build up more detail, looking into the use of structural & functional modelling and CAD/ CAM.
create
evaluate
research
refine
create
evaluate
research
refine
create
evaluate
research
refine
There is no right & wrong in terms of development - your approach will very different depending on your project type.
For example, a (DE) project may include lots of development in terms of programming ideas and functions, where as a (PD) project may look at a range of joining methods/ techniques.
Assessment criteria says - Design developments
Iterative developments are exceptional, incorporating all technical requirements and fully respond and meet identified next steps of development.
Assessment criteria says - Critical thinking
Clear, systematic and highly effective responses to all identified problems. Exceptional evidence of innovation throughout the design process.
Assessment criteria says - Chronological progression
Design iterations are highly professional, systematic and chronological, fully supported by exceptional real-time evidence.
Assessment criteria says - Quality of developed ideasThe range of communication techniques used is exceptional and are highly effective and convincing in appropriately developing or communicating design concepts.
Key things for the development section:
This section includes a large opportunity to meet assessment criteria - it should be thorough, so here are some areas to consider when approaching the development.
> Continue the iterative process (create/ evaluate/ explore...repeat)
> Physically prototype/ model visions and ideas
> test ideas and build on results
> collect feedback from users and stakeholders
> refine ideas
> Evaluate ideas and developments
> Determine the suitability of materials, components and manufacturing
> Highlight what you are improving on (did you SWOT?)
> Make mistakes (but learn from them)
Your development needs to show not only what you are building on but show you are thinking about where it may lead to - think about including information about next steps and restrictions, etc.
Show a before and after of the development - highlight key improvements
As a development develops, so should the detail - from the washer up.
Consider aspects to develop such as:
> Materials
> Manufacturing opportunity
> size
> scale
> components
> size
> scale
> ergonomics/ anthropometric data use
> dfma consideration
> commercial viability
> inclusivity
> wider issues
> mathematical considerations
> meeting the List of Master Requirements
Evidence of tool & equipment use can be demonstrated at this stage - consider evidencing your practical skill/ ability as you model/ manufacture prototypes. Could you test process suitability on some development area?
idea 1
idea 2
idea 3
idea 4
idea 5
idea 6
idea 7
idea 8
idea 9
idea 10
1
2
3
4
CAD
(visual/ electronic/ programming)
Sketching
MODELLING
PRACTICAL DEMOS / TESTING
DESIGN TESTING
FEEDBACK
DFMA CONSIDERATION
material selection
assembly methods
FINAL
IDEA
make
modifications
What the design & development section looks like mapped out:
create
evaluate
research
refine
create
evaluate
research
refine
create
evaluate
research
refine
Critical thinking
you must continue to be critical throughout the next few stages, showing you are able to act on your findings. you must refer to the who/ what/ why/ how of the brief and research what is required to answer it - asking questions and completing research to find out the positives and negatives of each aspect is crucial.
you need to demonstrate making up your own mind about all aspects of the project - it is yours after all.
Chronological progression
Be sure to evidence your design and development as it happens - its key to evidence it as it happens - if you need to include a table to show what you did 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc then this is fine - see the guidance document.
Quality of design ideas
In short this is about how well you communicate your ideas - the clarity, the detail and the technique/ method used.
Your communications need to be clear enough for all users and stakeholders to understand.
How to start your development section:
Although you have probably started developing ideas in your head it is important not to get carried away and forget about your initial ideas.
What SWOT's can you take away from each of them and what is it about them that is so suitable for the user/ stakeholder?
Before moving onto detailing the developments, it is worth reviewing your initial ideas and clarifying how you want to move forward.
The page below does not replace the need for thorough ongoing analysis (annotation) of your ideas but is a nice way to summarise them and explain how you intend to move forward.
My list of master requirements was:
Reviewing my initial ideas
Do you need to add to/ edit this list now you know more about the project?
My key pieces of feedback have been:
Who?
What?
Why?
My main considerations for development are:
needs
wants
req's
Further investigations and research.
questioning
materials
existing products
standards
environment
environmental
+ more/ others
To proceed with purposeful developments you will probably need to complete some additional investigations/ research. This could be:
My most successful ideas/ aspects of ideas were:
Numbered thumbnails of your 10+ ideas - so you can reference them
Next Up:
produce a range of pages which illustrate a range of developed design ideas. Once you have developed these ideas you will work towards finalising a final idea.
You should:
aim to develop at least 4 design ideas - these can be iterations of one of your previous 10 ideas, a combination of some of them or a new idea based on feedback etc.
Ideas should be developed with reason, and to product improved, more useable products. What makes good design?
Not sure what to develop? Click here:
Plan this section to flow like a story. Your developments must follow on from your initial ideas and there needs to be evidence of how your developments have been inspired. The term is iterative! Imaging the line of evolution.
Think about how your ideas might evolve. what changes are going to be made at each stage and why?
Watch some videos on Product development
How a page/s might look
Development 1
Drawings/ sketches
CAD
Funtional model
Aesthetic model
Feedback refelcted on
What feedback have you recieved which has influenced this develoipment?
Main developments made
With justification
Make these clear/ highlighted/ colour coded
Think about what you are developing and why.
What is your inspiration?
What feedback are you building on?
Don't finalise these ideas - give options, for example, develop and handle into 3 different potential shapes - for further development with the user.
Inspiration
Keep options open
Questions
Considerations
KEY FEEDBACK FROM THE EXAM BOARD!!
MUST MUST MUST DO... and make obvious
My user said....
If you haven't recently done so, have a look back at the previous sections to help guide you.
Identifying requirements
Learning from existing products
Implications of wider issues
Viability of design solutions
To help with the development of more technical considerations, you may also need to revisit the following areas:
Materials and components
Manufacturing processes and techniques
Technical understanding