A design process model based on product states

摘要

Design is a dynamic problem solving process. All designs start with a problem to be solved, and sub-problems are generated dynamically while solving the central problem. To reflect this dynamic problem-solving process, this paper presents a new design process model which describes the 'states' of the product evolving during the design process, instead of describing the design activities. The design process is viewed as dynamically moving around a 'product state space.' A 'product state' is a representation of the product that the designers use to generate information to answer or evaluate the current design sub-problem, and it is usually represented by a design prototype. Mappings from design sub-problems to proper product states are important design decisions. This paper starts by describing design as a sequence of prototyping process. An industrial safety helmet design example is used throughout the paper to demonstrate the ideas. Then the product state space is defined. Finally this paper describes how the design sub-problems are mapped to the product state space. Using this model, designers are encouraged to focus more on "what sub-problem to solve," "what tool to use," instead of "what activity should I do next?"