Design is the study of decision making processes which engineers use in formulation of plans for the physical realization

of machines, devices and systems. Engineering design: This is the use of scientific principles and tools of engineering such as computers, mathematic, graphics, language to produce a plan which when carried out will satisfy a human need. Product design: this is the determination and specification of the parts of a product and their interrelationship so that they become a unified whole. System design: is the process of designing the architecture, component, modules, interfaces and data for a system to satisfy specified requirement. Graphic design: is a creative process often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producer of form undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a target audience. Mechanical design: This discipline applies the knowledge of ergonomics and the artistic skills to create attractive, user-friendly, innovative products. Mechanical Engineering Design: focuses on the way things behave when they are subjected to various types of forces.

STATEMENT OF NEED: this is identification of a situation which requires a solution. Usually recognized after someone has stated it. E.g. the need for more packing facilities in cities. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROBLEM: Problem is more specific. This includes all the specifications for the theme that is defined. Ill defined needs require a considerable amount of thoughts and effort in order to state it clearly. Well Defined: How can we reduce traffic jam without restricting movement of matatus in the city. Ill Defined need: Lots of people are killed in road accidents. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Design considerations are the various aspect of a given design which needs to be considered as a designer engages in a certain project. There are various aspects/factors that should be considered when making a certain design. These factors include the design of a successful user interface; development factors, visibility factors and acceptance factors. Many requirements and design considerations cannot fully coexist in a single design; hence, the need for rigorous systems engineering processes with trade-offs to develop a balance solution. For instance, a designer

should have in mind that the system should be able to meet the expectations of the user across the spectrum of requirements and design. Therefore, the designer should examine the specific characteristics of the system against a myriad of often-conflicting design considerations. Design consideration contributes greatly to the system performance, cost effectiveness, reduced development cycle time, and improved supportability.

SOME IMPORTANT DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS Aesthetics Aesthetics may not be a prime consideration of the product, but depends on the location of the system or product when installed and its intended integrated function. For example, a system intended to be installed in the waste system of the house and function automatically with no need for it to be seen by occupants of the house may not be considered in this design consideration. The aesthetics of the product does not contribute significantly to its function or efficiency. But for workman ship and the fact that the product may be seen it should be neat and tidy, usually showing the customer that the product is of satisfactory standard. Ergonomics This is a major consideration where the product consistently interacts with the operator, but a minor consideration where the system does not require regular interaction with an operator, and once installed should operate automatically with infrequent routine maintenance. Obsolescence As technology improves in the areas of efficiency and diversity it is likely that more efficient designs and simplified control systems may be developed. The kit style design of a system allows for the replacement of individual components, as improvements become possible. If the market this product is in is not a high turnover market the product wont be replaced in the near future. Function The system should perform its prescribed function to its fullest capability, fulfilling the products task i.e. all its component should be used efficiently and effectively, allowing the flexible management of the system. Reliability Every design system should be very reliable and always perform its tasks as required to the fullest extent. It should not require service outside of designated service areas and times. Durability The size and quality of each component of a design system should be able to provide long life with minimal maintenance requirements. Sustainability This refers to how long the product can be used for based on current technologies and resources, for example are the main components of the product sustainable, i.e. spare parts, the electronics or will there always be a supply of electricity. Based on current resources and technologies there should be a supply of electricity well into the future, as electricity has become such an essential in todays society. Cost The cost of production of the design should be reasonable, within a given limit. The cost of production dictates the selling price and thus the amount of the item to be sold. Every designer

wants to maximize on the sales and therefore the cost of production should be low. Also, some unavoidable circumstance should be taken into consideration, this include inflation etc. Energy The design should, ideally, be able to use a range of power supplies. This include solar power supply, Hydro electric power etc. The system should use the least amount of energy possible to reduce its maintainability cost. Safety The system should be safety to use for both who do not to work with it and also those who are aware of its functionability. Recyclability The design project should, as intended, be for long term use, which means a low turn over rate. The selection of material Material to be used plays a prominent role in the success of manufacturing a precision stamped component. For example, the hardness of a material is directly proportional to the formability of the component.

a) Manufacturing cost: is often a major factor in the success or failure of a design project.

Cost consideration is nowadays critical in the engineering field. Therefore, it is important to do a cost evaluation during a project engagement. The decisions made during the conceptual design stage involve a lot of money and consequently the following stages of the design process. Cost consideration enables choices to be made and also decisions are changed. When modifications are made on a product on industrialization stage, it is very costly because all the design process has to be done again. Also, cost consideration is important so that the product is not too expensive thus lacking market.

b) The use of standard sizes: the use of standard sizes of construction materials eliminates

the need to construct new materials. To construct new construction material involves a lot of time and is also costly. The standard sizes of material are readily available and often at a cheaper price in comparison to making a new product.

The use of large tolerances: tolerance control is one big cost driver. Loose tolerances are desirable since they can reduce costs, but they can also reduce the failure life of the product. This usually ends up increasing the design cost since the design function is a onetime cost, but the manufacturing is a recurring cost. Tight tolerances increases the cost of production.

Breakeven point: breakeven analysis involves the calculation of when the total sales or revenues of a design equal its total expenses. At the breakeven point, no profit has been made, nor have any losses been incurred. This calculation is critical in design consideration because the breakeven point gives the lower limit of profit when determining margins.

Cost estimates: Cost estimating is one of the most important steps in design consideration. A cost estimate establishes the base line of the project cost at different stages of development of the project. A cost estimate at a given stage of project development represents a prediction provided by the cost engineer or estimator on the basis of available data. Failure to do a cost estimate would lead to ineffective use of resources thus failure of the project.

Systematic Design Technique

Primary need Analysis and synthesis Sol 1, Sol 2, Sol 3 Identify best aspect of each sol Define a design to incorporate best aspect of each solution

Primary need

Analysis and synthesis

Sol 1

Sol 2
Identify best aspect of each sol

Sol 3

Define a design to incorporate best aspect of each solution

Primary Need
A primary need can arise from various sources. It could be that the user of an existing piece of machinery requires to update the process and thus modify the mechanism. Another reason could be exploitation of new technology. Further, a product may be in need of advancement over a competitor. Legislation changes could also result in the need to update or redesign a piece of equipment.

Analysis
When confronted with a design problem, the designer requires a clear train of thoughts and will therefore develop and establish an analysis. Analysis requires the application of both practical and theoretical knowledge.

Synthesis, comparison and evaluation

Involves collecting together design information and ideas. Results in a number of alternative proposals being sketched and analyzed. A minimum of three schemes are produced and a detailed comparison is carried out.

Stages in design process

(Example, how to reduce traffic jam in the city) Situation Analyze the situation Write a brief

Carry out a research Write a specification Work out the possible solutions Select the preferred solution Prepare working drawing and plan ahead Construct a prototype Test and evaluate the design Write a report

Phases of Design
Recognition of need Definition of the problem Synthesis Analysis and optimization Evaluation Presentation

Factors affecting design appearance and aesthetic appeal Shape Color Texture

Line

Size User friendliness.

Identification of customer need; the need for a new design can be generated from several sources, including client request, modification of an existing design and generation of a new product. Market analysis: designers must locate what is already in the market and what they have to offer. Information gathering is a very important task. Market analysis can be done by consulting various sources such as journals, research reports and the internet. Defining goals; in this stage of the design process, the designer defines what must be done to resolve the need. The definition is the general statement of the desired end product. A poorly stated goal may lead to many difficulties being encountered in designing. Establishing Functions (product concept): recognizing the generality of the need statement and where the problem/need stands in the whole system is a fundamental element in the design process. Specifications: provides explicit information about the requirements for a product and how the product is to be put together. A design specification must include all necessary drawings, dimensions, terms, and definitions of non-standard terms, and the materials used must be described fully to include thickness, size, color, etc. Conceptualization (solution concept); this is the process of generating alternative solutions to the stated goal in the form of concepts. The designer must review the market analysis and the task specifications as he/she engages in the process of innovation and creativity. Evaluating Alternatives (solution concept): once a number of concepts have been generated in sufficient detail, a decision must be made about which one will enter the next , most expensive stages of the design process. Embodiment design: the product being designed begins to take shape. Analysis and optimization: the solution is tasted against the physical laws. The manufacturability of the chosen product is checked to ensure its usefulness. The concepts on the previous stages may be redefined or altered then reanalyzed. The design is constantly shifted between the analysis and synthesis.

Experiment: the complete design is tested to verify the concept and analysis of the design as to its work ability, durability, and performance characteristics. Can be done by constructing a mock-up, a model or a prototype. Marketing; the designer puts his/her thoughts regarding the design on paper for the purpose of communication with others. Communication is involved in selling the idea.