Design Comment

DESIGN

COMMENT

Michael Paloian, Integrated Design Systems, Inc.

When Does the Job Officially End?

The average person thinks product design is the time one spends in front of a computer creating three-dimensional parts that will ultimately be manufactured. Some designers also embrace this concept of product design. Unfortunately, this total misconception usually leads to a series of problems when products finally reach the production stage and marketplace. A person who sits at a computer all day creating parts for a product cannot be considered a designer. They could be referred to a draftsman or junior designer, depending upon their level of creativity. Some “designers” are experts with the CAD software but are severely limited in solving design problems. These individuals are sometimes referred to as CAD jockeys. Others do have problem-solving skills but must be directed and can be defined as junior designers. However, professional, experienced designers possess an extensive depth and range of knowledge associated with their particular area of expertise. These individuals are responsible for creating, developing, testing, verifying, and following up on a product’s production. They form the backbone of innovative new products that are introduced into the marketplace every year. Good designers at this level are few in numbers, and all share some common traits. They ask many questions, are highly inquisitive, highly knowledgeable, creative, well-rounded, and accept responsibility. When does their job begin, and when does it officially end?

Their job begins when an idea is presented to them. The idea or concept may be well defined or vaguely conceived. These individuals ask many probing questions, which will help establish a physical embodiment for a product. These questions typically lead to a set of product specifications that form the foundation for the new device. As the project evolves, a certain amount of investigation, research, and information gathering is completed. Analysis of the information helps focus design tasks on a prioritized list of objectives which translated as concepts. This is a very critical phase of development since the selected concept establishes the foundation of the product and all future activities.

The selected concept must now be detailed into a moldable, cost-effective set of parts that must be easily assembled, safe to use, attractive, and must comply with all the previously cited specifications. This highly abbreviated description during this development phase requires extensive experience, knowledge, objectivity, and constant checking. Although the work’s execution is done at the computer using CAD, a great designer/ engineer must vigilantly check every decision he or she makes throughout the process. Since product design and specifications affect everything associated with the product, nothing can be overlooked. It requires a designer to reach out to others for verification of factors affecting manufacturing, appearance, ergonomics, safety, material selection, structural requirements, environments of use, serviceability, product life, and hundreds of other vital parameters.

After the design has been reviewed and approved by the entire development team, files are released to a mold maker. The designer must follow up with the mold maker to verify all the part design features are acceptable. After the tools are completed, and parts have been molded, the designer must be there to assist in the verification of form, fit, and function. The last part of the design, development process includes testing and validation of the production units.

Yes, product design is a lengthy and time-consuming process that requires a unique individual with a wide range of skills, knowledge, and talent. The next time you look at a product, take a close look. Think of all the thought, time, and dedication invested by the person or persons who brought it to life.

I welcome your comments and opinions. Please email me at paloian@idsys.com.