The Informed Design Cycle

1. State the problem and clarify the specifications and constraints

The constraints define the limitations of the design process. For every project, there are both general constraints, issues that are embedded in all design work (e.g., ethical rules, safety, cost and time), and specific constraints, which apply to the technical challenges of the given project. The constraints and specifications must be clearly defined at the beginning of the informed design cycle for successful completion of the project.

 

The General Constraints

Design of any problem must be safe, feasible and ethical. Since all of the problems can not be solved at same time, due to limited time and resources, the team should concentrate on designing the most satisfactory device given these constraints. Typically, the general constraints are incorporated into the design specifications at an early stage of the design cycle. When the chosen alternative design clearly fits the initial specifications, the new technical constraints or the specific problems will be generated.

The Specific Constraints

Some design constraints are specific to the project.

For example;

A bridge builder needs to consider the behavior of structural material under various stresses and strains.
A wireless communication designer has to consider the range and speed of communication devices.
An electronic circuit designer needs to consider the principles of current-voltage relationship and process of electronic components.
As a team, you should collectively generate a large number of constraints without editing or prioritizing, using such techniques as brainstorming or a prioritization matrix