DESIGN QUESTIONS

Directions: Upon the completion of a Statement of Problem, the designers and engineers must begin the task for solving the problem. A thorough "Analysis" must be completed in order to understand all aspects of the project before getting started. The "Analysis" is composed of "Design Questions" that must be answered by the client or the management of the company or that must be researched by the design staff. The "Answers" to the "Design Questions" will form the "Criteria and Parameters" or the detailed specifications for the project. Your list of "Design Questions" should include consideration of:

1. SIZE - payload & work space
   
2. POWER - sources, amounts & mechanisms
   
3. CONTROLS - methods & monitoring
   
4. OPERATIONAL - movements, distances & directions
   
5. PRECISION - accuracy, speed & frequency
   
6. PRODUCTION - methods & procedures
   
7. COST - materials & manufacturing
   
8. MATERIALS - types & characterisitics
   
9. SAFETY - user & environment
   
10. SECURITY - access & modifications
    
11. USER - characterisitics & training
    
    NOTE: AVOID QUESTIONS THAT CAN BE ANSWERED WITH A YES OR NO RESPONCE.

Return to TDMD Information Sheet #3

revised: 8/18/04