MIAE 380 - Product Design and Development Assignment
1. Creating a new or improved product is a partial requirement to pass MIAE 380. You will be required to form
Recommended Structure: Heavyweight Project Organization
Justification:
According to Ulrich & Eppinger (2015), a heavyweight project organization is ideal for complex and cross-functional
product development like in MIAE 380. This structure assigns a dedicated project manager with substantial authority and
cross-functional team members temporarily relieved from functional duties. Benefits include:
- Strong focus and accountability
- Better coordination among functions (engineering, design, marketing, manufacturing)
- Fast decision-making
[Drawing - Heavyweight Project Organization Structure]
Project Manager (Strong Authority)
/ | \
Engineer Designer Marketing Rep
| | |
Functional Functional Functional
Manager Manager Manager
2. Multiple Choice and Conceptual Questions
a. A group method that takes advantage of team members' diverse skills, experience, and personalities to generate
innovative ideas is called:
Answer: c.) Brainstorming
b. In design there is _____________:
Answer: d.) An infinite number of possible solutions
c. ___The secret to the successful solution of a design problem is a complete:
Answer: d.) Formulation
d. Most design problems are redesign problems.
Answer: True
e. [No question provided]
f. The primary focus of concurrent engineering is _____________:
Answer: b.) The integration of all people having a stake at the product
g. Design team engineer's ______________:
Answer: c.) ii & iii
h. Product cost is committed early in the design process.
Answer: True
i. Which of the following is true for the design method?
Answer: d.) a & c
MIAE 380 - Product Design and Development Assignment
3a. Generate 10 opportunities for innovation related to cars [10 Marks]
1. Solar-charging electric vehicles
2. Biometric keyless entry
3. Adaptive windshield tinting
4. AI-powered predictive maintenance
5. Energy-harvesting shock absorbers
6. Modular car interiors
7. Augmented reality heads-up display (HUD)
8. Air-purification systems inside cabin
9. Foldable/compact urban EVs
10. Self-parking systems with drone guidance
3b. What role does research play in product design? Indicate four sources of research. [10 Marks]
Research identifies user needs, technological trends, and market gaps to inform design decisions.
Sources of Research:
1. Customer interviews and surveys
2. Competitive product benchmarking
3. Academic and industry journals
4. Patents and technical databases
4. A small rural road connects two cities that are 10 km apart... (summarized) [25 Marks]
(a) Project Scope:
Expand 10 km of rural road to 2 lanes in each direction, including the widening of two bridges. No land acquisition
required.
(b) Stakeholders:
- Government transport authority
- Local municipalities
- Road users (commuters, freight companies)
- Environmental agencies
- Construction contractors
- Local residents
(c) Table of Needs:
| Stakeholder | Need |
|----------------------|--------------------------------|
| Road Users | Safety, reduced congestion |
| Government | Budget adherence, on-time |
| Residents | Minimal noise/disruption |
| Environmental Bodies | Compliance |
| Contractors | Clear scope/schedule |
(d) Concept Development and Specifications:
Includes evaluating different construction approaches, specifications such as road width, safety barriers, and material
types.
MIAE 380 - Product Design and Development Assignment
(e) Rough Two-Year Schedule:
- Feasibility & Design: Month 1-6
- Permits: Month 5-8
- Pre-construction: Month 7-10
- Roadwork (Phase 1): Month 9-15
- Bridge Widening: Month 12-18
- Roadwork (Final): Month 16-22
- Finalization: Month 23-24
5a. Develop a set of questions (at least 5) for a customer using a 4 m step ladder [5 Marks]
1. What do you use the ladder for most frequently?
2. Are there challenges when carrying or storing the ladder?
3. Do you feel safe while using the ladder at full height?
4. How often do you need to reposition the ladder?
5. Are there features you wish your current ladder had?
5b. Activities before developing a new product development strategy [5 Marks]
1. Market analysis
2. Customer need identification
3. Competitive benchmarking
4. Technological feasibility study
5. Business case formulation
5c. Elements in product specifications [5 Marks]
1. Performance metrics (e.g., speed, load capacity)
2. Safety requirements
3. Regulatory compliance
4. Material and dimensions
5. User interface or usability requirements
