Design

and
Technology

Week 1
Design Problem and Brief
 DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF
The Problem and Design Brief are
sometimes viewed as two different sections
of the design process. However, they are
very closely related. Before you can start a
design project you must find a ‘problem’ to
solve. The ‘design brief’ follows the
‘problem’ and states clearly how you intend
to solve the design problem.
 DESIGN PROBLEM
1. The brief and problem is mainly text (writing) that is printed in a
clear style so that it can be read and understood easily.
2. The problem is a paragraph or more in length. It describes the
problem you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to
solve the problem, only what the problem is.
3. The first sentence should state the problem, adding more detail
with the following sentences.
4. If there is no specific area, the product that has to be designed
and made (such as an educational device) you can mention an
area that you are interested in. This could include, jigsaws, puzzles
or something that could be adapted as an educational device.
 THE DESIGN BRIEF
1. Always start the design brief with “I am going to
design and make .....”. This is followed by a general
description of the type of device you feel will answer the
design problem.
2. Do not be too specific with description. The brief
should be a general description that allows you flexibility
regarding the type of product you intend to make.
For example, if your are designing an automatic animal
feeder it may be a good idea not to say the type of
animal it is for.
3. Do not be specific about materials. It may be wise to avoid
stating the exact materials it will be manufactured from (eg.
pine, steel, perspex etc...). Instead describe the materials to
be used as strong, tough, flexible, natural, manmade,
recycled, water-proof or similar general descriptions.
4. Mention points such as; safety, general size, what it will do
(it’s functions), general properties of the materials needed,
who it is for (eg children), basic cost of manufacture or a
lower and upper cost limits, circuit requirements and other
points you feel are important.
 THE DESIGN BRIEF
The brief may include details suchs as:
 what the probem is
 where the problem is
 the function of the product
 who is going to use your product
 how often and when the product will be used
 what type of product you are going to design and make
 what materials to be used
 health and safety considerations
 FINDING A DESIGN PROBLEM TO
SOLVE - SUGGESTIONS:
A. Is there a product that you could improve for a hobby
or interest?
B. Is there an item that you use every day that could be
improved? Is there an item that could be adapted for
disabled people or young children or the elderly? or
another group of people?
C. Ask your friends and relatives. They may have a few
suggestions about design problems you can solve that
will help them.
D. Do not be over ambitious. Do not select a design
problem that is too complex.
 EXAMPLES OF
DESIGN PROBLEM
AND BRIEF
 DESIGN PROBLEM #1
A number of houses have been broken into on my street. It has
been noticed that the number of strangers walking down our
street has increased lately and house holders are becoming
concerned about the security of their houses. The police have
advised people to make their houses look as if they are occupied
when they go away for a holiday or even out for the evening.
This may deter a potential thief from breaking into either the
house or garage.
The Neighbourhood Watch scheme has also been introduced
recently and this has helped people feel more secure. However,
even though neighbours will keep an eye on your property if
you decide to go out and leave the house empty, they cannot
watch twenty four hours a day.
Often even the police ignore house alarms when they are
activated because of the high number of false alarms.
A presentation is important. A brief must be easy to read and
follow, clearly saying what the problem is and how you intend
to solve it.
 DESIGN BRIEF #1
I am going to design and make a security device that will make my
house look occupied when, in fact, it is empty. Police statistics clearly
show that houses are much more likely to be broken into when they
are empty. Consequently, if the house looks occupied it is likely to be
safe.
The device will be mobile so that it can be moved from room to room,
easy to set up and control and also cheap to make. It must not be
powered by mains voltage and in this way it will be completely safe to
be left ‘on’ for a long time and will not be affected by power cuts. It will
be activated by anyone approaching the house from the front or back.
It must deter even profession crooks from taking an interest in our
house and even convince people in the street that the house is
occupied.
House

Mobile
Security
device
 HOW TO ANALYSE A DESIGN
PROBLEM
Once your brief is established, it will need to be analysed so everyone has
a full understanding of what will be designed. A very useful task is “P
analysis, or marketing mix.
 people - the users of the product and thise involved with the project
 places - where the product is going to be used
 properties - style, finish and materials to be used
 products - availabiity of similar products on the market now
 price - selling price
 process - the process needed to produce and distribute the product
 physical evidence - ways in whuch the product can be demonstrated
or shown to the market before they purchase
 promotion - how the product will advertised to the target market
1. A sample design problem is seen below. Read this problem carefully.
A local company has found that sales of its educational toy range are
falling. This is due to competition from other companies, especially from
abroad.
The company sells a range of toys all aimed at helping young children
learn. Some are number games and others help children learn the
alphabet and to read simple words. Other toys help children develop
hand / eye coordination.
However, in recent years more imaginative and interesting games/toys
are been manufactured by other companies. If our local company does
not design and manufacture more interesting games/toys it will slowly
reduce its workforce and eventually shut down.
2. In order to fully analyse the design problem to be solved list the
key words / phrases..

COMPANY : SALES : RANGE : COMPETITION : LEARN/LEARNING :

ALPHABET : NUMBERS : DEVELOP : HAND/EYE COORDINATION :

MARKET : TARGET GROUP : MECHANICAL : MOVEMENT : TIME

3. Take the most important key words / phrases and explain what
each one means.

A company usually employs people. They may work in a factory or shop. A

company is a business but also an organisation of people who work together in
order to be successful. A company pays wages and has other cost but always
aims to make a profit.
Most companies have to compete against other companies making the
same product. Usually the customer decides which product is the best by
deciding to buy it, or not. To be successful a company must have efficient,
up to date equipment/machinery. It must have well trained staff and
manufacture a quality product. Customers must be satisfied that the
product they are buying is value for money.
Write a problem and brief that you find at school
which you think you can solve. Try identifying a
design problem that you have experienced
yourself. Use the form to enter the information.
Good luck!