THE DESIGN METHODS HANDBOOK

2.5 Theory of Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industrial designers are mostly concerned with “Human Function” (Human Needs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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”

• 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.

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The Production Function is divided into “Manufacturing” and “Planning”.

• Manufacturing: the production process of the components, parts, and assembly.

• Planning: deals with packaging, shipping, distribution, marketing, and sales.

 

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“A well-engineered product design may be rejected by the industrial designer because it does not fulfill its human function.”

– Walter Schaer, PhD.

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What defines a good industrial designer?

One that can function effectively in all three realms.

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