4 - Key aspects of design conceptualization

Abstract

Product design is the core task of a product development cycle. It is through design that an optimum solution leading to an optimum product performance is found, it is through design that a product prototype is constructed and evaluated before costly mass manufacturing begins, and it is through design that serious liability issues and safety problems are avoided before a product enters the market. Product design is primarily an engineering job, and in virtually all product development applications, it represents the vehicle that transforms science to technology and technology to consumers in the form of a product or service. One of the key design aspects, which is often overlooked in engineering education programs, is design conceptualization in which critical questions must be addressed before design analysis proceeds. Examples of these questions include the following: Why a product is needed? Is it feasible? Is it cost justifiable? What design features are needed? Does it add value to consumer? Is it a recycle of an old idea or truly innovative? Are tools and materials readily available to produce a product? How long it will take to complete a design project? Is success certain? How much it would cost to develop a product prototype? In this chapter, these questions are addressed through a design cycle and a detailed discussion on design conceptualization.