ASST. PROF.

MONA ALCUDIA, MA
FINE ARTS PROGRAM - PRODUCT DESIGN FACULTY
COLLEGE OF COMMUNICATION, ART, AND DESIGN
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES CEBU

MINI-THESIS TEMPLATE
I. Table of Contents
II. Title Page
III. Approval Sheet

ABSTRACT
The Abstract presents the proposed design is brief; it is a general description of thesis
project.

Example:

It is used to strengthen several parts of the body and increase speed and flexibility. The
most commonly used water training devices include the hand paddle, pull buoy, kickboard and
swim fins. Some are intended to develop pulling techniques; others are for kicking. A balanced
workout is guaranteed when more than one device is used.

There is a wide variety of swim products at present because designs are upgraded
constantly. This is to addreSwimming training aid is primarily used to build a strong aerobic
foundation of endurance. ss the swimmer’s individual differences in training need, skill level and
techniques. Dedicated swimmers test the various products to discover which one works for them.
In whatever case, comfort, ease of use and effectiveness are the three key elements that are
always looked for.

This study aims to offer an alternative training device that is durable, more effective,
more comfortable and easier to use. It seeks to lessen the disadvantages imposed by existing
devices. The product will be designed to further improve the swimmer’s skills and techniques
while diminishing the disadvantages found in existing devices.
CHAPTER I

Chapter I contains the introduction to the thesis problem. The Brief Description section explains
how and why the project was conceived. It states the goals of the project and what it intends to
achieve.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The Statement of the Problem is a singular statement outlining the focus of the thesis. It is often
elaborated with statements of sub-problems each one arising from the main problem identified.

Example:

The most commonly used training device for competitive swimming does not meet the
desired effects of the users. Existing products are known to cause blisters, muscle strains and
other forms of discomfort especially when used improperly. Some obstruct proper execution of
strokes that can be detrimental to the swimmer’s health and safety.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives are statements that give direction to the possible solution of the design
problems. Objectives are gauged by which the ability of the student to undertake major design
project, hence, they must be measurable and time-bound.

Example:

The study aims to:

1. Improve the function of a water-training device;

2. Reinforce proper swimming techniques as well as improve stamina, strength, speed and
flexibility of a swimmer.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The Significance of the Study essays the social dimension of the proposed design solution. Its
contribution to society in general is highlighted to emphasize its contribution to uplift the quality
of life. Specifically, it significance in relation to the target market, to other researches of the same
nature and to the society in general is given focus to generate a positive response and create a
customer for the proposed design.

Example:

A design that lessens the safety and health risks in water training will make a full-blown
workout more tolerable. Swimmers can focus on their strokes and in keeping their body fit minus
the worries of muscle strains, tendonitis and other swimmer’s injuries.

By emphasizing good stroke techniques, the study helps ensure the continuous
improvement of swimmers in any given level. Though there is no amount of fitness and training
that can overcome faults in swimming techniques, the study can strengthen the ideal training
programs which may produce more fit and effective competitive swimmers.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION

Example:

The study is concerned with advanced swimming where the use of training devices is
more profound. This includes competitive swimming, triathlon and elite swimming.

The study analyzes the design characteristics, function, strength and weakness of the
most commonly used water-training devices. An overview of basic and intermediate swimming is
given Dry-land training is not discussed because the vast majority of the swimmer’s workout must
be done in the water. Only materials are ideal for swim products are explored.
METHODOLOGY

The Methodology section includes all the tactics and research strategies the design project is
likely to employ in order to generate ideas and set direction for the selection of design solutions.

Example:

The proponent employed qualitative research to provide data and background on

swimming, its techniques, water training activities, and training devices. Online documents and
references in public libraries such as the University of Santo Tomas Central Library and the
Product Development and Design Center of the Philippines are utilized.

Swim coaches and swimmers of the Philippine Swimming Team, the Tri-Athlete
Association of the Philippines, the UST Tiger Sharks and the UPLB Swimming Team are
interviewed and surveyed. The proponent personally tested various existing devices and
observed swimmers who use them. An investigation of the techniques of advanced swimmers
while undergoing training in Amoranto Sports Complex, in the Philippine Sports Commission, the
Baker Hall and in the University of Santo Tomas were also done.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

The Theoretical Framework part is usually in a diagram or in schematic form. It illustrates the
basis for the research project. In essaying the framework by which the student is using to suggest
that the design direction is in valid or feasible, the students uses a visual outline upon which the
design project is springing from.

Example:
Below is a topic outline by which preliminary statements can be jotted down. The general
statements that embody ideas and concepts can later be expanded to constitute an elaborate
discussion of the topics.

CHAPTER I
I. INTRODUCTION

Brief Description
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Statement of the Problem

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Objectives

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Significance of the Study

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Theoretical Framework

Methodology

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CHAPTER II

Chapter II is the “Review of related literature”. The sections included in this chapter culled
existing materials both written and visual as they relate to the definition of the design
requirements. Traditionally, related materials include books, journals and periodicals, published
and unpublished research of local and foreign publications. In design, visual tables sourced from
trade materials as catalogs and brochures are as important as the traditional kind. These are key
elements to the creation of “swatch boards”; a ready-made source for assuring the availability of
proposed materials and product components. The non-traditional materials also include images
for visual anthropology, an assembly for identifying characteristics, traits, values and aspirations
of the proposed target market.

Several sections as stated in the topic outline contain the various aspects of design. This includes
packaging, transportation, storage requirements, etc., including existing systems and/or designs
are also reviewed (evaluated and analyzed) for comparison, integration and/or used as the basis
for design/redesign. Design philosophies/theories as well as design sources are cited. Existing
conditions-technology, production, product flowchart, obsolescence rate, market trends and
others are also reviewed for a substantive overview of the project).

Example: (On Product Investigation)

Dick Hanula, author of the book “Science of Coaching Swimming” (Publisher: Publication
date) provides a scientific guide for coaches in optimizing swimmers’ performance. He
recognizes the significance of individual differences of the swimmers. Sport psychology is
discussed to show how to motivate athletes properly. Motor learning concerns are specified to
show coaches how to reinforce rules and punishments in training.

Note: There should be at least ten books for the review of local and foreign publications; and ten
articles of local and foreign. These should be in correct bibliographic format and not entered as
endnotes or footnotes. Published and unpublished materials are also included as well as on the
website. For the websites, the accessed date is included in citing the reference materials.
CHAPTER II

I. PRODUCT CONSIDERATIONS

Product investigation

General description

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Comparative analysis (whenever applicable)

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Product process

Selection of materials

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Selection of manufacturing processes

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Selection of related processes

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Product standardization

Market analysis

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Cost consideration

Product life span

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Consumer studies

Target Market

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Ergonomics and anthropometrics

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Packaging and transport

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DESIGN PARAMETERS

The Chapter on Design Parameters sets the tone for the ideal attributes of the proposed
design solution. Taking off from the preceding chapter on Design Considerations, students define
the characteristics of the proposed design and restrict the ground for the generation of the
alternative solutions.

Generally, this includes two areas of design, the scope and the process. The Design Scope
stresses the focus of the design activities. In detailed discussion, it attempts to describe the
proposed design solution as to form and function. Directly related is the section for the design
process. This section typically includes the aspects of function, production, aesthetics, and
marketing. This may be broadened depending on the nature of the project.

DESIGN PARAMETERS

Design scope

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Design Process

Functional aspects

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Production Process

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Aesthetics

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Marketing

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CHAPTER III

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

The design development process is presented visually exploring the creative stages of
the project. The ideation, analysis, evaluation, synthesis and selection of the design concept are
recorded in visual and are included in the chapter. The “documentation” of the preliminary
design concept stage which are done in thumbnail sketches, rough sketches, schematics or
rendered perspective drawings in the prescribed ;media including photographs of preliminary
mock-ups are accompanied by brief narratives (design analysis) explaining the choice of form,
materials, mechanisms,. Proposed production processes, etc. The design development stage
must lead to the formulation of the final design concept.
CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION OF DESIGN SOLUTION

In the presentation of the final design solution, multi-view drawings including sectional views and
auxiliary projections are integrated in the thesis book. This can also include other orthographic
drawings as may be needed such as exploded views, isometric, etc.

The section also includes the following:

Rendered perspective drawings

Mock-up model or prototype

Documentation of product testing product demonstration underscoring (in brief) the

merits/advantages of the design solution are presented.

*Estimated product costing

CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATION

A narrative of the design process is discussed. Summative in form, it reviews the design process
and highlights the validity of the direction taken by the study. In the recommendation section
areas/aspects for further studies and development are discussed.
Endnotes
Bibliography
Appendices
Curriculum Vitae
Project proposal form
IMPORTANT DATES