Principles of Creativity Used in Product Design
Designing is one of the most important aspects of engineering, as it is involved in every other type of work. It is a branch of the science of arts that focuses on the creation of designs or plans for functional objects. In engineering, a design is a detailed description or blueprint for the development of an active structure or machine, including its function, performance characteristics, and any special property that could benefit the success of the structure or machine. The word ‘design’ comes from the Greek word doctor, which means ‘of shapes’.
A design is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. It is more related to the art of creative visualization than pure mathematics. A design should be capable of predicting, anticipating, and controlling a range of possible future results, while considering factors such as the constraints inherent in human activities. In product design, the goal is to develop and manufacture a product that meets specified requirements, while meeting customer requirements, and providing a service that enhances the quality of life. A product designed solution has clearly defined goals and features. This enables the designers to coordinate and prioritize the various requirements of the project.
The designing process incorporates at least three elements, namely, research, analysis, and design. In the first phase of the designing process, the research phase, designers investigate the problem, collect data, and prepare a rational model or drawing. The analysis is done to determine the practical implications of the rational model. Finally, the design process includes all the steps that are necessary for producing a product according to the defined rational model. The process emphasizes the interaction of people within the organization to ensure that the objectives of the designing process are aligned with the real world.
An effective designing process is characterized by three main stages: research, analysis, and design. In the research phase, designers explore the problem and obtain data and information about the target market. They may also be required to evaluate and test existing designs. It is in this phase where new designs can be tested to evaluate their viability. It is important for designers to remain objective and unbiased in their evaluation of designs.
After the research phase, designers refine the rational model and begin the next stage of the design process. In applied arts terms, this is known as drawing. In graphic design, this is referred to as sketching. During sketching, several versions of the product are produced to assess the relative merits of each one. This is called critiques.
Industrial designers apply the principles of structural, functional, and creative aesthetics to solve problems in product design, engineering design, and graphic design. As applied arts principles have been found to be generalizable across a wide variety of human activities, principles of creativity have also found application in all applied fields. Many people in different professions have learned how to use these principles to solve problem-solving tasks in their own lives. For instance, these principles have been used by architects to create highly functional buildings and creative artists have used them to produce art pieces that are both beautiful and functional.