ATTRIBUTES OF DESIGN THE SIX ATTRIBUTES CHARACTERISTICS OF

ATTRIBUTES OF DESIGN

THE SIX ATTRIBUTES / CHARACTERISTICS OF DESIGN ARE:

PURPOSEFUL ® The design must have a purpose or a goal. ® What is it that we want this design to do? ® What is the function that we want this product or system to perform?

REQUIREMENTS ® Criteria and constraints

® Criteria – The criteria sets the parameters for a design by setting by identifying the key elements and features of what the product or system is and what it is suppose to do.

® Constraints – Constraints are limits on the design. Some constraints are absolute – no one can build a perpetual motion machine. Most constraints that designers work with are relative – funding, space, materials, human capabilities, time, or the environment.

® Sometimes trade-offs are made in selecting one design over another. This will be especially true in our setting.

SYSTEMATIC ® There are many different ways to solve problems but you must have a systematic approach otherwise you could be wandering endlessly in search of a solution for the problem.

INTERATIVE ® Design is not a step by step process, it is something that is a repeating process that allows designers to explore different options.

CREATIVITY ® No matter how exact the requirements there always choices to be made and room for fresh ideas or a new approach.

MANY POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS ® What may be the best solution for one situation may not be the optimum answer for another. The problem solver should look at many different solutions and determine which one (or ones) is best under the circumstances.