Design Process Key Terms

A method of shared problem solving in which all members of a group generate ideas.

• Brainstorming

• Decision Matrix

• Testing

The person or organization who defines the problem and asks for the solution.

• Client
• Designer
• Criteria

Limits to the design process, such as appearance, funding, space, materials, and human capabilities.

• Constraints
• Criteria
• Deliverables

The step in the Design Process where you build a testable model

• Build & Test

• Develop Solution

• Evaluate Solution

Desired specifications (elements or features) of a product or system.

• Criteria
• Constraints
• Deliverables

A tool for systematically ranking alternatives according to a set of criteria.

• Decision Matrix
• Brainstorming
• Technical Drawing

The step in the Design Process where you define the client, designer, problem, criteria and constraints, and deliverables.

• Define Problem
• Generate Concepts
• Develop Solution

The specific outputs that are expected after a project is complete.

• Deliverables
• Criteria
• Constraints

A written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria, and its constraints.

• Design Brief
• Design Process
• Decision Matrix

A systematic problem-solving strategy, with criteria and constraints, used to develop a solution to a problem.

• Design Process
• Design Brief
• Decision Matrix