ICT IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES

Production techniques and systems

Developments in mass production techniques have led to a variety of production methods
being created to improve efficiency by saving time and cutting costs.

Automation

The automation of workplaces has led to an increase in skilled workers but a decrease in job
opportunities, as machines have taken over the jobs previously done by humans. Automation
has streamlined the manufacturing system by increasing production and reducing errors.

Computer aided design (CAD)

Computer aided design (CAD) now has the capability to design new products in 3D, visualise
them in a variety of materials and send images around the world for collaboration and
consultation. Once production is finalised, these designs are sent to computer aided
manufacture (CAM) machines to be formed. Autodesk and Solidworks are common forms of
CAD software used.

Advantages of CAD Disadvantages of CAD

Ideas can be drawn and developed quickly Expensive to set up

Designs can be viewed from all angles and

Needs a skilled workforce
with a range of materials

Some testing and consumer feedback can be Difficult to keep up with constantly
done before costly production takes place changing and improving technology

Computer aided manufacture (CAM)

By using computer aided manufacture (CAM), designs can be sent to CAM

machines such as laser cutters, 3D printers and milling machines.
Laser cutter

Advantages of CAM Disadvantages of CAM

Fast and accurate production Expensive to set up

Machines can run constantly on repetitive tasks Needs a skilled workforce of engineers

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS)

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are a series of different machines producing different

parts for a product. The system is flexible because, at any time, machines in the process can
be reprogrammed to change their task and production can be changed to produce more or
fewer parts without stopping the other areas of the process.

Just in time (JIT)

Just in time (JIT) manufacturing is triggered by a customer order. The correct amounts of
materials are ordered in to cover the order, and these arrive just as they are needed by
production. This saves money on storage, reduces waste and ensures there is no money
wasted producing stock that will remain unsold. There are disadvantages to the system in
that, if any part of the product cannot be sourced, clients have to wait for their order to be
produced.

Lean manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a Japanese concept, based on minimising costs and maximising

efficiency by cutting down on waste and the amount of materials and energy used in
production. This is done by adapting designs and making changes to the production process.
For example, to reduce waste, a packaging net could be redesigned to include
a tessellating pattern or, to improve efficiency, changeover times between production runs
could be reduced.

Informing design decisions

It is important for designers to consider a wide range of perspectives when designing a
product and to consider the many scenarios that affect the product’s life.
 Planned obsolescence

Planned obsolescence is the practice of designing products that will have a limited life and
that will become obsolete and require to be replaced, such as disposable razors. Modern
mobile phones are a good example as they need continual software upgrades and they are
soon replaced by new better-performing models. Planned obsolescence is generally bad for
the environment as it creates more waste.

Design for maintenance

Design for maintenance is a term used when designing products that are
more durable and have spare parts available to mend and maintain them. This is
only possible with low-tech or modular products that don’t require a great deal of skill
to repair. For example, a push bike can be regularly maintained, with parts such as
pedals and chains being replaced when they are damaged.

Design for disassembly

Design for disassembly is a concept that when a product has reached the end of its life it can
be taken apart and parts reused or recycled. For instance, a stool could be unscrewed to allow
the plastic seat and steel legs to be recycled.

Environmental design

Environmental design is something designers are increasingly considering by:

 making products from renewable materials, such as paper straws instead of plastic, to create less
waste material
 transporting materials in a more efficient way to cut down on emissions of greenhouse gases
 cutting down the use of finite resources for use in production and for energy supply; improving
the overall environmental impact of a product
Paper straws