Design Specification

If you had your design brief posted, then I've most likely commented on it. If you don't have a comment, you might want to ask about it. There were a couple blogs that gave error codes when trying to comment. Blogger is having an error code for some of you. If so, I'll come see you. If you have any questions, come ask or speak up as I'm walked around.


As you continue your self determined project, and our more in-depth look at the IB design cycle. The next step is the design specification. 


A Design Specification should be based on information gained from the investigation. It is a list of requirements that your design ideas must meet plus a list of constraints, or limiters. It is a sort-of check list that you use when designing, planning, and creating.

After your research you can develop a Design Specification. It should tell the reader:

1. Who are designing for (who will see/use/buy the product)
2. Objective - What the successful design must do (could also indicate how well the solution is expected to work or under what conditions it will work)
3. Production
   
   • What it should look like (Size/colours/etc)
   • What it should be made from
   • Tools needed to make the product
   • Time needed to complete the product
4. How is it to be used

Two Decent Examples Follow
(notice they don't contain all required information, they'd be stronger if they did)
examples from myp-tech.wikispaces

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Example 1

• Must use the Quartz analogue clock movement provided.
• The movement is 55mm x 55mm x 15mm, so it must be larger that 55mm x 55mm.
• Should be smaller that 300mm x 300mm due to the size of the hands.
• Cannot be thicker that 5mm due to the length of the movement shaft.
• Should have a theme that reflects the results from my survey.
• Must be original in its design.
• Should be made from MDF, timber or acrylic as are the most suitable.
• Must be able to be made in the TIS workshop.
• Can not be too difficult to make.
• Must be cost effective to make.
• Should be easy to read.
• Should be safe. (No sharps edges, non-toxic)
• Must be able to hang on the wall securely
• Must be able to be made in the time provided.
• Must tell the time!

Test: I could test my clock by;

1. Conducting a survey of my intended market
2. Check that it can be read form various distances, angles and by various people.
3. Ensure that it keeps accurate time by checking it against the clock on a computer.
4. Check to see if the batteries can be replaced easily.
5. Check that it hangs on the wall well and will not fall if bumped.

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Example 2
General: - Will be 'hand' size. (120x120x20 approx)
- Will be made in the time given. (5-6 weeks)
- Will be made from the materials provided.
- (Softwood, acrylic, plywood, MDF)

Function (How it works)
- Must be either a maze or a 'ball in the hole' type of game.
- Must be an appropriate difficulty level for the age group.
- Must have at least one ball

Aesthetics: (the looks)
- Should be appealing for the target market.
- Should look 'well made'

Safety:
- Must have no splinters
- Must have not sharp edges or points
- Must be made from non-toxic materials

Quality:
- The ball should roll freely and not get caught.
- Needs to be well made and of good construction
- Needs to be durable, tough and hard wearing
- Should be smooth o the touch

Environmental:
- Should use the minimum amount of materials possible
- Waste kept to a minimum
- Use recycled materials wherever possible.