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Introduction
Designers are increasingly called on to create safe and supportive products and environments that allow users to be more independent and promote their full potential when using the system or space being designed.
The need for systems engineering arose with the increase in complexity of systems and projects. When speaking in this context, complexity incorporates not only engineering systems, but also the logical human organization of data. At the same time, a system can become more complex due to an increase in size as well as with an increase in the amount of data, variables, or the number of fields that are involved in the design.
One of the most important stages in system development is that of Design and given the complexity of the task a series of methodologies, tools and techniques are used in order to manage the complexity and achieve the desired goals.
Some design methodologies
Design for Systems Engineers
In general terms, the most common techniques that would be used are,
- Modelling and Simulation,
- Optimization,
- System dynamics,
- Statistical analysis,
- Systems analysis,
- Reliability analysis, and
- Decision making
Complex Systems Design is necessarily a multidisciplinary activity and requires tailoring to adapt to the needs of the particular system complexity and organization. Some of the most important disciplines to be incorporated in the design team are:
- Software Engineering,
- Reliability Engineering,
- Maintainability Engineering,
- Human Factors and Safety,
- Security Engineering,
- Manufacturing Engineering,
- Logistics and Supportability Engineering,
- Disposability Engineering,
- Environmental Engineering,
- Other domains
Inherent in the established design team activity is the requirement for good communications on a day to day basis. Although the collocation of colleagues is the preferred option, often there are design activities being performed in different locations concurrently. Often work has to be done with outsourced colleagues or other suppliers. Thus, the design efforts are heavily dependent on the utilisation of computer aided tools operating in a networked environment.
Principles of Universal Design
Some general guidelines for design are given by the University of Carolina's Principles of Universal Design:
- Equitable Use
- Flexibility in Use
- Simple and Intuitive Use
- Perceptible Information
- Tolerance for Error
- Low Physical Effort
- Size and Space for Approach and Use
Full consideration of these principles will lead to a more complete and robust design.
Process of Design
Although the process of design may be considered 'creative', many analytical processes also take place. In fact, many designers often make use of the various design methodologies above in their creative process. Apart from the above-mentioned processes that are commonly used are, user requirements elicitation, sketching, comparative product research, prototyping and testing. Designers often utilize 3D software, Computer-aided industrial design and CAD programs to move from concept to implementation. System characteristics specified by the design team will include, among others, the overall form factors, the interfaces, colors, texture, sounds, and aspects concerning the use of the product ergonomics. Additionally the design team may specify aspects concerning the production process and choice of materials.
All of these aspects together with exercises and case studies, are covered in our Systems design course.
