GRADED ASSIGNMENT

Task 1 (P1)

You may find it useful to draw a block diagram representing each stage in the process
and then describe the function of each stage and how it relates to the other stages. You
must include and define the following stages (minimum).

Note: Not listed in the correct sequence

 Systems Integration
 Concept Designs
 Prototype Testing
 Solutions Research
 Concept Selection
 Prototype Build
 Initial CAD Design
 Design Specification
 Simulation & Analysis

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Defining the problem is the first step in the Engineering design process, because engineers
seek problems and do their best to fix them.

Once the problem has been identified, engineers try to come up with solutions to either fix
the problem outright or at least improve upon an existing solution.

The design specification is crucial after the solution has been agreed upon, it details what is
required to make the solution come to life. For example; the type of materials, scale,
performance, ergonomics and manufacturing techniques.

Concept designs are next as designers can start to produce their initial concepts, since they
have a design specification they must adhere to.

A choice must be in the next process. Choosing the right solution to the problem is key. The
concept designs usually allow the engineers to tell which solution is best.

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When the solution has been chosen the initial CAD, design is next. This design lets engineers
see how the product will look like in 3D. Due to this, changes may be made to the designs.

Prototype building would be the next step. The design from the concepts to the CAD models
are finalised, this allows engineering to build one or more prototypes. The prototypes are
beneficial because they test the product, to see if their product solves the problem they
require.

Prototype testing is a must as engineers can put things to the test, such as applying force to
the product, to see if it can withstand a certain amount of force. Depending on the product
and its purpose tests vary extremely. But from these tests’ engineers gather data on their
product. If the product passes their test then they can move onto the next step, although if it
doesn’t then they look to improve upon it, by redesigning.

Simulating the prototype allows engineers to put the product in different situations, for
example in different harsh environments. Analysing the product lets engineers to get a
deeper understanding of the product and how it performs in those simulations.

Systems integration is key as it saves time and keeps everything efficient. Knowing and
planning how the product will integrate into the system or environment will ensure that it
performs. But also, this serves as the proof that the product solves the problem it was
designed to.

The completion of the product must be communicated well. The results must be
communicated in such a fashion where professionals can clearly understand the project.
Final reports are the most common form of communicating results to the world, as they are
very succinct, to allow engineers and designers to manufacture the product.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/engineering-design-
process/engineering-design-process-steps

Task 2 (P2)

Interpret the requirements from the power point on bicycle trailer project, from learn
zone and produce a product design specification.

You should include a breakdown of all the different elements within your design
specification and give clarification on what needs further investigation.

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Task 3 (M1)

Explain the possible impact of a poor design process on customer relationships and
requirements.

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Your work should be presented as part of a structured report that covers all the
tasks contained in the Task 3 i.e.

1. Introduction
2. Main body
3. Discussion
4. Summary
5. Conclusion
6. Reference

When a company is asked to design and manufacture a product for a client, there must
be certain procedures that have to be followed. The designing team must ensure they
discuss with the client in order to understand what the client requires. The importance
of the design process cannot be understated. As the success of the product will entirely
depend on how good the design is. But also, if the design process is not done properly,
for example the communication with the client breaks down and the requirements
aren’t understood the possible impacts include; costs for the company, reputation,
damage to income and legal issues.

One possible impact to poor client-company relationship is the cost for the company.
Due to misunderstandings, the company could have made mistakes to the product they
produced for the client. These mistakes could’ve never happened, but the design
requirement missed key aspects to the product because the communication was poor.
The company could be required to redesign the product, and all previously made
products would be considered as waste, which is the equivalent of throwing money
down the drain.

Another impact of poor communication is the damage of the reputation of the

company. Every single company in the world must maintain their overall reputation, as
for a business to thrive they must be known to be reliable and deliver a high standard
of service. A loss in customers is the first effect to reputational damage. The second is
the customers may feel that the company cannot deliver on their promises no more,
taking their businesses to competitors. Once again, the company taking a huge loss
financially.

An unlikely but possible effect of poor customer relations is legal trouble. The
company may have not conformed to British Standards because they didn’t understand
an aspect to the customers specification. Any product that is to be sold in the UK must
have been awarded with a BS Certification. If the product was manufactured and
didn’t comply with BS then it could be sold, causing delays for the customer and
company, which would again lose money the longer the delays took part.

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In conclusion there are many effects to poor communication between a company and
their client. The financial cost is huge, due to waste produced. The damage to
reputation adds more loss to the company as business could decline and clients could
move to their competitors. Thus, their hold on the market would fade. The legal issues
could be a company’s nail in the coffin, again wasting money on legal representation
that wouldn’t have been needed if the customer-company relationship was better.
These could be the effects of poor relations with a client as the situation would be
detrimental to both parties, as the client will lose time, money and their own reputation
could be questioned, if they weren’t able to deliver a service to their own clients.

https://toughnickel.com/industries/The-possible-impact-of-a-poor-customer-design-
process-on-customer-relationships-and-requirements

https://specialties.bayt.com/en/specialties/q/187546/what-is-the-impact-of-a-poor-
design-in-construction-process-and-manufacturing-industries/

https://www.thebci.org/news/what-are-the-effects-of-reputational-damage.html

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