
The word “design” is often used as a
generic term that refers to anything that
was made by a conscious human effort.

Design is also a process that is used to
solve problems.

A design process is a strategy used to
develop solutions to solve human needs
or wants.
1.
Identify problem(s)
2.
Investigate and research options
3.
Generate alternative solutions
4.
Choose a solution
5.
Developmental work
6.
Model and/or prototype
7.
Test and evaluate
8.
Redesign and improve

Individual parts of products
 Simple
▪ Wire
 Complicated
▪ Engine parts

When assembly operations begin, all of
the necessary parts must be available in
the right quantities.

Sometimes assembly work is completed
by hand.

Sometimes automatic assembly machines
are used.


In the past all machines were controlled
by operators.
Now CNC is commonly used.
 The numerical directions are contained in a
computer program.
 Not only can the computer give directions to
machines, it can also receive feedback.
▪ For example, it a cutting tool is broken, the
computer is sent this information. The machine will
then stop.


For many years, cutting had to be done
using a saw, knife blade, or cutter.
Thanks to new technology, new processes
are being developed.
 Waterjet Cutting is the process of using a
highly pressurized jet of water to cut a
material.
▪ Squirting water at a rate of 50,000 PSI turns the
water into a knife blade.
▪ The waterjet follows a path guided by a computer
program.
 Laser Cutting is the process of using a
concentrated, high energy beam of light to cut
materials.
▪ Laser cutting is used to engrave the molds used to
make CDs.
▪ Like Waterjet Cutting, laser cutting is computercontrolled.

Quality Assurance means making sure the
product is produced according to plans and
meets all specifications.

Prevention involves doing everything
possible to prevent variation in materials or
processes before parts are made.

Detection means inspecting to find variations
in parts or products after they have been
produced.


Why do we change products?
Who impacts these changes?
Manufacturer
Consumer
Designer



When do changes take place?
Where do these changes come from?
What advantages and disadvantages are
associated with these changes?
Room Key

MIT Invention Index at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, asked which of five
inventions Americans could not live without.

“The toothbrush emerged as the undisputed
champ, beating out the car, the personal
computer, the cell phone, and the microwave, in
that order, as the most prized innovation.”

Some records indicate a version of the
toothbrush dates back as far as 5000
years ago. Babylonians rubbed a “chew
stick” on their teeth and mouth to keep
them clean.

Companies in the U.S. started mass
producing the toothbrush around 1885.

Most Americans did not brush their teeth
until Army soldiers in World War II were
taught the habit of tooth brushing and
brought their enforced habit back home
after the War.

Natural bristles were used in
toothbrushes until nylon was
discovered. In 1938, nylon,
invented by Dupont, replaced
the natural bristle. One of the
first nylon toothbrushes to
commercialize the industry
was called Doctor West’s
Miracle toothbrush.

In 1960 the first
commercialized electric
toothbrush was
marketed in the United
States. The technology
was developed in
Switzerland in 1939.
vs.

Toothbrush designs now include
electronics. The Radius™ toothbrush has
a built-in timer that blinks light or plays
music to let you know how long to brush.