A (i) Describes an appropriate problem that leads to a design opportunity

A problem statement, which includes:

• The current situation:
  • Situation is a set of circumstances in which one finds oneself.
  • Situation also refers to the physical space/environment of the problem.
• The current problem:
  • Problem: is the  matter or situation regarded as unwelcome.
  • Establish why it is a problem i.e. prove there is a need through User and market research (see below).
  • Establish where it is occurring (this may have happened under situation).
  • The design problem should be clearly stated using supporting materials. Supporting evidence (a summary of research that informs the appropriateness of the problem)
    can/should include:
• Design Opportunity/Invention/Product
  • Supporting evidence from below.
• User research:
  • Summarised results of a comprehensive interviews/questionnaires with potential clients. Including a focus group (see below).
  • Observations of the target audience around the problem.
  • Photographs of the offending location demonstrating the nature of the situation/problem.
  • Lifestyle or image board.
• Market research:
  • Topic 9.4 research strategies (some can be used for user research).
  • Focus group (to gather information for a potential wider audience).
  • Existing examples (showing how it doesn’t fit the needs of the client), perception maps, small survey (to see interest in the proposed product), sales patterns or market trends (up-cycled products are on the rise or fall?), demographic trends or patterns, invention calculator, etc.
  • Extracts from , website product reviews (Amazon or Taobao) or sales numbers, letters, magazines (such as consumer report magazine, sports, hobbies, etc) or news, statistics (such an injuries, performance, etc),
• Concluding summary of the problem.

The evidence for achievement against this strand should be presented in approximately one A4 page or the equivalent, and approximately 200 words.

A (ii) Develops a detailed brief that identifies the relevant parameters of the problem

A design brief comprises:

• The only required evidence for this strand is a written design brief. Include the following.
• The expected outcome
  • Design goal or expected outcome which would include the product/invention, situation,
  • The target audience – briefly describe your primary and secondary (the wider audience – can be someone who would buy it for someone else, or a market trend, etc) client.
• Broad requirements determined from initial research into the problem.
  • Broad constraints (the product has to be). Laws, safety, manufacturer, consumer may dictate what these are.
  • Success criteria – which are the wishes or if it can be that would be great.
  • This is supported/determined from your initial research from the previous aspect A (i).
• State the intended commercial scale of production for criteria E & F.

The evidence for achievement against this strand should be presented in approximately one A4 page or the equivalent, and approximately 150 words

A (iii) Develops a design specification that justifies the requirements, based on the outcomes of the research

The design specification for the prototype will need to address the following aspects.

• Performance/Function requirements/constraints. 
  • Consider how it will work, where it will be used, how it will be used.
• Aesthetics requirements.
  • Consider looks, feel, colour, shape, texture, etc.
• Size constraints.
  • Consider how big the overall product needs to be as well as its parts, modules, gaps, etc.
• Target audience/Customer requirements. 
  • Consider user needs and requirements, ergonomics/anthropometrics, human factors (Physiological/Psychological), demographics, etc.
• Environmental requirements.
  • Consider topics 2 and 8, design for disassembly, etc.
• Material selection contraints.
  • Consider mechanical, physical and aesthetic properties as well availability and cost.
• Production/manufacturing requirements/constraints. 
  • Consider the mechanical, physical properties and workability of the material as well availability or techniques.
• Safety considerations. 
  • Consider the who is using it (child, elderly) and if there are safety requirements.
• Quantity (scale of production).
• Any other specifications that may pertain to your project.

Other aspects to consider …

• Students should prioritise the design specifications.
• The design specification must be developed from the design brief and research.
• They must be feasible, quantifiable and measurable – a balance between quantitative and qualitative.
• Identify tests you will carry out to measure the specifications, here are some that may work.
• The only required evidence for this strand is a set of design specifications justified with reference to supporting research (primary and secondary) and citation of sources.

The evidence for achievement against this strand should be presented in approximately three A4 pages or the equivalent, and approximately 800 words.