Lesson video

(mouse clicking) <v ->Hello, my name's Mrs. Taylor</v> and I'm really pleased you can join me for today's lesson.

(mouse clicking) Today's lesson is design specification, and this is part of the Designing and Making Principles Unit.

(mouse clicking) The outcome, I can explain how and why design specifications are used in industry.

We have four keywords, design specification: describes what a product has to do.

Requirements: something which is needed or wanted.

Justification: the reason or explanation for why something is done or believed to be right.

Aesthetics: how a product looks.

We have two learning cycles, purpose and features of design specifications, and function and aesthetics in design specifications.

Let's get started.

Design specifications are detailed descriptions of what a product needs to do.

They outline the key purpose, the user, and the key features of the product to guide the design process.

They ensure that the final product meets the needs of its users.

For example, these running shoes, the key features are that they are water resistant, breathable, and lightweight.

The user is adult men and the purpose is to provide cushioning and support while running.

It is important not to confuse a design specification with a technical or manufacturing specification.

Design specifications focus on requirements for the overall concept, user needs and appearance.

It is usually used at the beginning of the design process.

Technical specifications or manufacturing specifications detail the materials and measurement requirements needed to build a product.

It is usually used towards the end of the design process.

Both specification types outline requirements; things that are needed or wanted.

Here we have a check.

What is the main focus of design specifications in the early stages of a design? Is it A, to define how the product will look? B, to outline the purpose, target user and key features? C, to choose the materials? Or D, to calculate the cost? Pause the video and have a go.

Wonderful.

Let's check.

That's right, it's B, to outline the purpose, target user, and key features.

The purpose is the main reason why the product is being designed.

It explains why the product is needed and what problem it aims to solve.

For example, a water bottle might be designed to keep drinks cool and be easy to carry.

The user is the person or group of people the product is designed for.

Consideration is given to their age, gender, interests, needs, and lifestyle.

For example, a watch for an older child might have different features compared to a smartwatch designed for adults.

The key features described the main attributes a product should have.

This can include function, safety, and cost.

For example, a smartphone's requirements should match users needs and expectations.

The function of a mobile phone is to make calls, send messages, browse the internet and run apps.

The safety requirements include fingerprint or facial recognition, data encryption and impact resistance.

And the cost requirements are features, materials, and brand value.

Let's have a check.

Match the product to its design specification.

The statements are must be lightweight and breathable.

Should have a large screen, fast processor, and a good camera.

And needs to keep water cool and be easy to carry.

Pause the video and have a go.

Brilliant.

Let's check.

That's right, it should have a large screen, fast processor, and good camera is A, the smartphone.

Needs to keep water cool and be easy to carry is B, the water bottle.

And must be lightweight and breathable is C, the running shoes.

Task A.

Below is a non-example of a lunchbox design specification.

It is missing important details and does not clearly describe the product's purpose, user, or key features.

Improve this specification by adding missing information to make the description clearer.

The non-example of a lunchbox design specification states: the purpose, is to make the lunchbox.

The user, is anyone.

And the key features, it holds food and is a box.

Pause the video.

Fantastic, let's have a look at some of the answers you may have come up with.

The purpose: the lunchbox is designed to store and transport food safely, keeping it fresh and at the right temperature until it is eaten.

It should be easy to clean, durable, and lightweight for daily use.

User: the lunchbox is intended for school children aged 7 to 12 who need a compact, easy-to-carry and leak proof container for their lunch.

It should be safe, easy to open and fit inside a school bag.

Key features: it must be dishwashers safe with removable compartments.

Strong enough to withstand daily use and minor drops.

And include separate sections for different food items to prevent mixing.

Well done.

We now move on to the second learning cycle: function and aesthetics in design specifications.

Within a design specification, the following requirements are outlined: purpose, user, key features.

Further requirements are specified under these headings: aesthetics, materials, and form.

All these elements guide the designer into creating products that meet the user's needs.

Let's have a check.

Match the product to its design feature.

And the design features are: Ergonomically designed handle for comfort.

Durable and water-resistant material.

Compact, lightweight, and stylish design.

Pause the video and have a go.

Great.

Let's check.

The ergonomically designed handle for comfort is B, the coffee mug.

Durable and water-resistant material is C, the backpack.

And compact, lightweight and stylish design is A, the smart watch.

Well done.

Aesthetic refers to how a product looks and how it makes people feel when they see or use it.

The colours, shape, texture, and style all play a role.

A product should appeal to its target user and fit the context it will be used in.

Different users have different aesthetic preferences.

Which of these do you prefer? The choice of materials affects the product's, durability, weight, texture, and overall user experience.

For example, a smartphone might need lightweight, strong materials like aluminium and glass, while a water bottle might need to be made from BPA-free plastic or stainless steel to ensure it is safe and durable.

Material choice also plays an important role in aesthetics.

Form refers to the shape of the product, how it fits in the user's hand or space, and how easy it is to use.

For example, a bottle should be easy to grip and its form should allow it to fit into a car cup holder or a backpack pocket.

The right form can make the product more comfortable and easier to use.

Form also plays an important role in aesthetics and manufacturing methods.

The differing forms of toothbrushes can also affect performance.

Let's have a check.

Which of the following is the most important when deciding on the form of a product? Is it A, the colour of the product? B, how the product fits its user's hand? C, the price of the product? Or D, how the product is advertised? Pause the video and have a go.

Fantastic.

Let's check.

That's right, it's B, how the product fits in the user's hand.

A strong design specification provides justification for outlining its requirements.

A justification is the reason or explanation for why something is done or believed to be right.

Look at the example below for the lunchbox.

The specification points, requirements and justifications are detailed.

We have purpose: a lunchbox to store and transport food.

And the justification: so that its contents remains fresh until needed.

The user: is school children aged 7 to 12.

And the justification, this user group is more likely to require a solution to remain organised.

And key feature number one: is easy to clean.

And the justification for this: to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

In addition to justifying requirements, the designer needs to know how to test each specification point once the product has been manufactured.

So we can see in this table that a test has been added.

To test the purpose: we can check that commonly used items can comfortably fit.

And to test the user: we can conduct a focus group to gather opinions.

And to test key feature one: we can dismantle to test hand washing and dish washing.

By including details of a test for each specification point, this ensures that the solution meets the design specification.

Task B.

Part one, you have already worked on the purpose, user and key features of a lunchbox.

Now focus on improving the aesthetics, materials and form.

Look at the following incomplete specification and improve it by adding details for these three elements.

Aesthetics: what should the lunchbox look like? Consider colour, style, and design.

Materials: what should the lunchbox be made of to ensure it's durable and safe? And form: what shape should it be? How should it feel when carried? Pause the video and have a go.

Great, let's have a look at some of the answers you may have come up with.

The purpose: to keep food fresh and easy to carry to school.

The user: school children aged 7 to 12.

Key features: easy to clean, durable with separate compartments.

Aesthetics: bright colours and bold patterns.

The materials: BPA-free plastic or stainless steel.

And form: a rounded-square shape.

Well done.

Part two, for each part of your design specification, justify your design decisions and explain how it would be tested.

Pause the video and have a go.

Wonderful, let's look at some of the answers you may have come up with.

The purpose: a lunchbox to store and transport food.

The justification: so that its contents remain fresh until needed.

And the tests that we could conduct would be to check that commonly used items can comfortably fit.

The user: school children aged 7 to 12.

This user group is more likely to require a solution to remain organised.

And the test: conduct a focus group to gather opinions.

The key feature: easy to clean.

The justification is: to prevent the growth of mould and bacteria.

And the test would be: to dismantle the lunchbox to test hand washing and dish washing.

Aesthetics: the requirement is to have bright colours.

And the justification is to appeal to young children and easily identify it.

To test this: we could conduct a focus group to gather opinions.

The materials: must be stainless steel.

And the justification is: it is easy to clean and durable.

And the test would be to clean dried on food from it.

Form: a rounded square.

And the justification: a compact design that fits into bags.

And the test would be: check the space left in backpacks.

Here is a summary of our learning today.

Design specifications outline a product's purpose, user and requirements to guide design.

They ensure the product is functional and meets user needs by defining key features and materials.

Aesthetics play a role in design specifications by detailing colour, form, and style to enhance appeal.

Justifying design choices helps ensure the specification leads to a well-designed, practical and effective product.

Thank you for joining me today, and well done.