ME 201
DESIGN METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER TWO
INTRODUCTION TO
DESIGN METHODOLOGY
2.1 Engineering Design
Engineering Design (or Product Design)
is a process performed by humans aided
by technical means through which
information in the form of requirements is
converted into information in the form of
descriptions (e.g. drawings) of a technical
system, such that this technical system
meets the requirements of mankind.
Engineering Design (cont…)
Engineering Design
A creative thinking process towards a
solution;
Involves a number of successive but
iterative activities or phases; and
Is normally a teamwork activity.
Engineering Design (cont…)
In Engineering Design we deal with Product
Design to satisfy a need or requirement.
NEED SOLUTION
(Product)
Facilitation
1. Designers
2. Design Methodology
3. Physical aid (computers,
drawing boards etc)
4. Information
Engineering Design (cont…)
Physical Products can be grouped
into two categories in business terms:
1. Consumer Products (Goods)
Used directly by consumer
domestically, in office etc.
Examples: Table lamp, radio, pen,
bottle, watch, cooking pot, shoes,
shirt, spoon, chair, cake, broom,
screw driver etc.
Engineering Design (cont…)
2. Engineering (Industrial/Capital) products
Used in Industry environment to
produce or manufacture goods for the
consumer (i.e. consumer goods).
Examples: Lathe machine, CNC
machine, Electroplating plant, plastic
moulding machine, tractor, power
generator etc.
Engineering Design (cont…)
Product Development
Designing of a new product in
coherence with the plans for its
production, distribution and sales (“new
business development”).
Product Design is part of Product
Development; and Product
Development is part of the Industrial
Innovation Process.
Engineering Design (cont…)
Design Approach
Design approach (procedure and
methods) depends on the nature of the
product:
A component (e.g. design of a component
for replacement in a machine).
A routine design work - where only routine
or incremental changes are required.
New-concept design to satisfy the existing
or emerging need.
Design Engineering (cont…)
Depending on the problem, required
design activity ranges from only making an
engineering drawing (partial design)
design to
the total Design Methodology - i.e. the
wide process from the need through to
design drawings and production.
production
Our aim is to look into the total Design
Methodology which encompasses all
methods or procedures even those
required for partial design.
2.2 Design Methodology
Design Methodology is the general theory of
procedures for solving of design problems. It
concerns both the Strategy of proceeding, i.e.
the general path and also the Tactics of action
in small portions of the work.
Design strategy - to structure the
design procedure and establish models
of the design process.
Design Tactics - to support every
design step in such a model with
appropriate methods.
Design Methodology (cont…)
Therefore, Design Methodology (DM) =
Design Strategy + Design Tactics.
The principles of DM can be applied in
any field of engineering to solve design
problems.
Design Methodology (cont…)
Benefits of applying DM
Increasing insight into problems and
the speed of acquiring this insight.
Diversifying the approach to problems.
Prompting inventive steps and reducing
the chance of overlooking them.
Generating design philosophies for a
particular case in question.
Design Methodology (cont…)
DM can be described as a systematic
aid to the designer to enhance insight
into design problems and generate
solutions.
DM solves the Designer’s Dilemma as
represented in Figure 2.1.
Figure 2.1 Designer's Dilemma
Environment Politics
Technologies
Business Issues
(Marketing)
Competition
Patents
Existing
Products
Designer Culture
Many
Materials
Information
Quality Issues
Customer
Wishes
Ergonomics Aesthetics
Requirements
A systematic approach is essential for the designer to handle such issues
