Got Design?

1
Got Design?

• Design Optimization
• Through M.A.S.H. Analysis

2
M.A.S.H.

• A method of generating, tracking, and objectively
  evaluating product design in this environment.
• Mechanics
• Aesthetics
• Sustainability
• Human Factors

3
Product Design

• Function
• Form
• Environmental Impact
• Ease of Use

4
Product Analysis

• Broadly defined categories need to be tailored to
  suit each design project.
• Electronic interface projects will have different
  issues than developing a new weed whacker.
• Raw materials pixels vs. metals and plastics.

5
Mechanics

• Focus on product structure and function.
• How does the design perform its intended
  function?
• What materials is it made from?
• How is it constructed or assembled?
• Is it based on existing or emerging technology
  platform?
• How do these elements impact the products
  efficiently and durability? What kind of
  mechanical limitations do you expect to
  encounter?

6
Aesthetics

• Focus on a products form and appearance.
• Is it based on a certain type of proportion
  system?
• Is there an historical or natural precedent for
  appealing shapes and colors?
• What color/colors is it?
• What does its shape/form communicate to the
  viewer?
• Is it an appropriate size and scale for its
  intended use?
• Is it meant to evoke a certain mood or emotion?
• Is it appropriate for its intended audience?
• How and where are graphics and labels applied?

7
Sustainability

• Focus on the environmental impact of the design.
• How long will the product be useful (intended
  lifespan)?
• Is it meant to wear out or be disposable?
• Can it be made from recycled materials?
• Can it be disassembled so its parts can be
  recycled or reused?
• Can you reduce the number of parts or fasteners
  required?
• Does it have multiple uses?
• Where does its power come from? Is that energy
  source renewable?
• Are the manufacturing processes required to
  create it harmful?
• Is there a service that exists that could replace
  this product?

8
Human Factors

• Focus on human interaction.
• What are the important human measurements for
  interaction with the product?
• In what environment will this human and product
  interact?
• Will that influence the parsons or products
  performance?
• Are there any conceptual, physical, or cultural
  barriers to your products acceptance and use?
• How much learning or training is required for
  someone to use the product?
• Is it safe to use?
• Can you minimize unintentional use or reduce the
  negative impact of incorrect use?
• Is your design fun or pleasurable to use?

9
Idea-Generation Tool

• Use M.A.S.H. as a structure for guiding and
  collecting ideas.
• Filter out extraneous ideas and generate
  sufficient depth.
• List as many variables as possible in each
  category.
• Systematically or randomly combine them to guide
  a new design.
• Some obvious relationships will form.
• Some relationships will be surprises.
• Some designs will be practical and others will
  radical.

10
An Evaluation Tool

• M.A.S.H. can be used as an objective measure of
  an objective performance.
• Used to easily identify strengths and weaknesses
  of a given design concept.

11
Scoring

• Score Poor as 1 to Excellent as 5 with 2, 3, 4 in
  between.
• Add the scores and divide by the number of
  scores.
• Multiply by 10 and add 50.
• Example 3.2 avg. X 10 50 82

12
Mechanics
poor
excellent
n/a

• Function
• Materials
• Production
• Construction
• Assembly
• Technology
• Efficiency
• Durability
• Limitations

13
Aesthetics
poor
n/a
excellent

• Proportions
• Precedent
• Color
• Semantics
• Scale
• Emotions
• Appropriate
• Branding
• Graphics

14
Sustainability
poor
n/a
excellent

• Life-Span
• Obsolescence
• Recycled
• Disassembly
• Parts
• Multiuse
• Energy Source
• Manufacture
• Service

15
Human Factors
poor
n/a
excellent

• Anthropometrics
• Ergonomics
• Learning
• Physical Access
• Cultural Access
• Concepts Access
• Safety
• Error
• Pleasure