Chapter seven - Design solution options

GOOD DESIGNS

Reasonable definitions of good design

It solves the problem, it fits the client requirements, it is robust, secure, maintainable, documented, understood, flexible, standards-based, and it is proven.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, at its Center for Advanced Engineering Study, teaches that design itself can be treated as a process whereby the input is a problem and the output is a solution.

Ideation refers to the process of creating alternatives based on the objectives and specifications.

Steps of a basic design:

• Analyze needs
• Develop specifications
  
• Perform ideation
  
• Filter for feasibility
  
• Select the solution
  
• Document the solution

Creativity-enhancing techniques

• Ideation techniques: The center of the engineering process
• Brainstorming: Focus on a specific goal, defer judgment during brainstorming, build on the ideas of others, record well and record visually. Brainstorming should be fun and intellectually stimulating activity.
  
• Structured round: Useful to ensure everybody has a chance to voice an opinion on a topic under discussion. It is done using the following approach: Focus on a specific topic or issue, move in order around the room, record this material as in brainstorming, go around as many times as needed, when the flow abates summarize the ideas or issues generated.
  
• Flow charting: When designing a process or functions, a flow chart can assist by displaying key steps and their relationships. It can be used both to ensure that everyone understands an existing process, and to create a new process or functions.
  
• Filtering ideas: Is assessing the material , to structure it into coherent solutions, and to develop the best options for presentation to the client.
  
• Other evaluation techniques