THE DESIGN METHODS HANDBOOK
2.5 Theory of Design
Industrial designers are mostly concerned with “Human Function” (Human Needs).
The Human Function is divided into “Human Needs”.
And Human Needs are divided into three sections:
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Economic- Social
Price Quality: the price paid and the social acceptance of the product or system. -
Aesthetic- Culture
Form Quality: the cultural and visual acceptance of a product or system.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
In 1970, Maslow changed his original model
developed in the 1950s, from 5 to 7 levels of need.
He added “Know and Understand” and “Aesthetic”.
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Practical- Physiological
Efficiency Quality: the practical and physical efficiency and acceptance of a product or system.
The Technical Function is divided into “Direct Factors” and “Indirect Factors”
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Direct Factors: factors that primarily effect the materials used in the design solution,
but not limited to materials. -
Indirect Factors: factors effected indirectly by the components in the design solution.
The Production Function is divided into “Manufacturing” and “Planning”.
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Manufacturing: the production process of the components, parts, and assembly.
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Planning: deals with packaging, shipping, distribution, marketing, and sales.
“A well-engineered product design may be rejected by the industrial designer because it does not fulfill its human function.”
– Walter Schaer, PhD.
What defines a good industrial designer?
One that can function effectively in all three realms.
Three functions have been incorporated
in the Circular Design Process.
