A "Design Analysis" is the document prepared by an engineering team that includes all of the information and data used by the group to generate a solution to a design problem. This document includes a cover page, the "statement of problem", a list of "questions" and "answers", a list of "criteria" and"parameters", "references" used, and a "design idea summary". All of this information plus any data that was rejected for various reasons is placed in a "design file" which can be used to verify and document a team's work when patents are applied for.

COVER PAGE

A "Cover Page" is used to formalize the "Design Analysis" document and provide a professional appearance to the information included. This page should contain the name of the project, the firm or company name, client's name (if applicable), names of project team members, and a date. Company logos, addresses, and pictorial views of project are optional.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The "Statement of Problem" is developed by the engineering management team or by the project engineer with the client and briefly indicates the general scope of the design project being undertaken. The following information should be included in the Statement of Problem:

• Type and Function of Product
• Overall Size of Product
• Where Product Used
• Client Information
• General Manufacturing Method and Materials Desired
• Approximate Manufacturing Cost
• Date of Completion

QUESTIONS

The "List of Questions"is a comprehensive listing of the questions that are to be answered in the course of defining, developing, and finalizing a solution to a " Design Project". Any question that comes to mind should be recorded and assigned to the appropriate person on the "design team" or to the a specific department of the company. Listed below are the catagories for generating questions:

• User Characteristics: Sex, Age, Strength, Skill, Education, Status
• Physical Characteristics: Space available, Weight restrictions, Appearance, Strength
• Operational Characteristics: Speed, Accuracy, Range, Input, Output, Capacities, Power, Durability, Useful life, Controls, Read-outs
• Cost Considerations: Materials, Labor, Manufacturing methods, Packaging, Market price, Repair services, Return on Investment, Source of Power
• Environmental Considerations: Raw materials, By-products, Waste disposal
• Safety Requirements: Labels, Guards, Alarms, Instructions, Manuals, Surroundings
• Security Requirements: Locks, Codes.
  Sample questions.

CRITERIA & PARAMETERS

The "List of Criteria and Parameters" is a comprehensive listing of the answers to the questions that are to be followed in the course of defining, developing, and finalizing a solution to a " Design Project". A question that has one answer and truely limits the capabilities of a product is considered to be part of the "Criteria". A question that has more than one answer, or a range of answers, is considered to be part of the "Parameters".

REFERENCES

The "List of References" is a detailed itemization of materials and resources used by the "design team" and documentation of the "design team's" research work. All sources such as reference books, manuals, periodicals, trade journals, supplier catalogs, design charts, photographs, videos, letters, telephone calls, faxes, personal interviews and notes from observations or field trips should be included in this section of the "Design Analysis".

DESIGN IDEA SUMMARY

The "Design Idea Summary" is a detailed, written description of a solution to the "design problem" and is prepared by the "project engineer" with assistance of the "design team". It should include methods of construction or manufacturing, assembly instructions, materials, overall sizes, safety requirements, finishes, packaging requirements, power specifications, operational procedures, and control systems. Appropriate multiview and/or pictorial sketches, schematic diagrams, preliminary layouts, assembly or section view drawings, chart and graphs should be used to clarify the written information. A well written "Design Idea Summary" that presents a complete picture of the solution to a problem will sell the "design team's" idea and assure the future success of the project through the final design, testing, and manufacturing of the product.

revised: 8/19/04