Design Specifications Activity

Introduction
Although the work of a product designer relies heavily on imagination and creativity, it
differs from the work of an artist in that a product designer typically has functionality or
marketability in mind. An artist may have the freedom to put together any combination of
materials, colors, and textures formed into any size or shape to create an end product
without regard to function. A product designer, in contrast, must work within multiple
constraints and must constantly focus on both the form and function of the final product to
ensure that the final design meets all of the requirements necessary to make the product
successful.
Engineers use a written document, called a design specification, to clearly define the
features and performance needed in order for a design to successfully solve a problem.
Writing a design specification occurs as soon as the problem has been defined and is
essential to the process of generating potential design solutions. The design specification
explicitly states the criteria that the final solution must meet and the constraints that will be
imposed on the design solution.

You have already written a Problem Statement and a Statement of Purpose. Based on this
work and your research, you will create a design specification for your product.
Equipment
Engineering notebook
Design Specification presentation
Internet access
Procedure
Consult with your customer(s) or intended customer(s) and complete the following in your
engineering notebook. Use the information you gather to craft your design specification.

1. Who is the target consumer?

Divide the following list of criteria among your team members. Each team member
will then identify specific requirements necessary for a successful solution related to
each assigned element. Be as specific as possible and include measurable values
where applicable. For example, use Within one second the device must warn the
vehicle driver and disengage the cruise control when the car attains a distance of
less than 50 ft directly between itself and another vehicle rather than The device
must warn the driver and slow the vehicle when the car is too close to an object. Be
sure to identify the source(s) of the information on which you base each constraint.
Add additional criteria as needed.
1. Customer Needs. What does the customer want/need?
a. The customer wants, according to our survey, an item that takes away the
problem of helmet hair, which is the flattening of hair after using a helmet.
Helmet hair makes it almost impossible to style the hair and can be

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 uncomfortable for some. The product will be used by both women and men
who experience this problem.
2. Performance. What must the product be able to do? Be specific.
a. This product must be able to considerably reduce the flattening of hair,
experienced by motorcyclists and cyclists. The product needs to be small and
comfortable to make the change in helmet feel unnoticeable. We need to
make sure there is a small gap created by the insert, which will further reduce
the flattening of hair aka helmet hair.
3. Target Cost. What is the anticipated cost to the consumer for this product?
a. According to our survey 74.8% of our buyers would be willing to pay at least
$11 for our product, which means we would probably begin listing the product
at $10 and would then offer a slightly modified product for $15.
4. Size and Weight. What size should the product be, or what restrictions to size exist?
What are the weight restrictions on the product?
a. The product must be able to slide into a motorcycle helmet or bike helmet
without compromising the helmet.
5. Aesthetics. Are there preferences in the appearance features of the product (color,
surface treatment, shape, material)? If so, describe them.
a. In the first steps or production the product will come in one color, black,
because of the cost it would be to manufacture different colors. As the
product becomes more popular we will offer different colors in order to
expand our market and add new products.
6. Materials. Is there a specific material or materials that must be used? If yes,
describe it.
a. We will try to use a moldable plastic that will form to both the helmet and the
head of the customer who buys it. This will allow for the most comfort as well
as a solution.
7. Safety and Legal Issues. Identify potential safety and legal issues that may arise
from the use of this product.
a. The product cannot compromise the overall safety of the helmet because of
the threat of legal issues.
8. Ergonomics. Identify considerations for the ergonomics of the product.
a. Must fit the shape of the average persons head, as it will be quite
uncomfortable if it doesnt. Also The product must fit the curvature of the
helmet, both in order to fit in it.
9. Operating Environment. Identify the environmental conditions relevant to the
manufacture and use of the product (temperature, corrosion potential, dust or dirt,
pressure, humidity, vibration, noise, degree of abuse, etc.).
a. Pressure, humidity, and temperature arent really a concern as the product
will not be extremes in any of these categories. The product will collect dust
and dirt from being in the helmet, so it needs to be able to be washed.
Because of this it also needs to be cleaned brings about the fact that it needs
to be able to survive the slow corroding abilities of water and soap. It also
needs to be able to withstand large amounts of vibrations, as bikes and
especially motorcycles produce vibrations when reaching a certain speed.
Finally, the product will also will need some degree of durability, so that in the
event of a crash, it doesnt shatter inside the helmet, as that would cause
substantial injury.
10. Global Environment. Will the product include any toxic or dangerous substances?
What is the plan for disposal of the product at the end of its useful life?
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 a. The product will not consist of any toxic materials, and for disposal the idea at
the moment is to make it out of recyclable plastic, which gives an
environmentally friendly alternative to just throwing it out.
11. Service Life. What is the required service life of the product?
a. The ideal service life for this product would be for life, as it will require very
little to no moving parts, which brings reliability and how long the product will
last up significantly.
12. Product Life. What is the anticipated length of time that the product will be produced
before it is replaced by a newer version or alternate product?
a. The product will be produced for about one to two years, as this would give us
enough time to read reviews on the product and augment our design based
on what the consumers want out of our product.
13. Durability and Maintenance. Will the product require routine maintenance during its
service life? If yes, answer the following.
i. What specific parts of the product must have easy access for
maintenance?
1. The product should be able to detach from the helmet for
cleaning purposes, as dust and dirt will build up in the helmet
ii. What is the anticipated maintenance schedule?
1. The maintenance schedule will be dependent on how often the
consumer would like to clean the insert.
iii. Are special tools required? How will they be acquired?
1. No special tools will be required
iv. Will replacement parts be required? How will they be acquired?
1. There will probably be no replacement parts, as the projected
price of between $10-$15 will be too low for someone to want to
spend money and time for replacement parts, and would rather
just go out and buy a new one.

2. As a team prioritize your list of criteria from most important to least important.
1, 2, 13, 4, 8, 3, 7, 9, 6, 11, 10, 5, 12

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