Analysing the Effectiveness and Ineffectiveness of Design Methods

This report analyzes the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of several design methods used in decision-making processes. It examines morphological analysis, objective trees, brainstorming, quality function development (QFD), and evaluation matrices. The analysis includes a discussion of each method's purpose within various industries and how they can be applied to solve design-related problems. The report explores the steps involved in each method, such as breaking down complex systems, transforming design statements into requirements, and using collective intelligence to generate creative ideas. The evaluation also considers the challenges and limitations of each method, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and holistic solutions to ensure better user experiences. It concludes with recommendations for improving design processes and expanding the search for appropriate solutions through documentation and a wider approach.

Running head: DESIGN MANAGEMENT
Analysing the effectiveness and ineffectiveness of different design methods
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Abstract
This particular paper is based on analysing various design methods that are used for making
decisions. The efficiency and inefficiency of those design methods are being analysed with
the help of design techniques. In this paper, there are analysing of design methods such as
morphological analysis, objective tree, brainstorming, and quality function development and
evaluation matrix. The information is gathered and collected from journals, books. The
purpose of those design methods is discussed in perspectives of the industries. Evaluation is
to be carried out by use of academic journals, textbooks and online resources.

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Introduction
Modern designs are becoming complex day by day, and the requirement to broaden
knowledge of designers has been felt. This is important so that the materials and the devices
which are available can be used to solve the problems by applying proper decision making
techniques. The designers are required to use various systematic approaches to mitigate the
challenges in project. There is a complex modern designs which are developed so that the
designing users are able to comply with the project requirements. Using proper methods for
problem solving process, it requires experiences to improve efficiency in the business
process (Gordon et al., 2015). The project designers resolve the problems and improve the
existing services by using innovative design methods. There are various design methods
which are analysed in this paper to design successful products and services those are
required of a creative approach.
Design brief is a document in design related project which is developed by the project team
in consultation with the client. It outlines deliverables as well as the scope of the project
which is inclusive of products works, time as well as budget (Harrison and Lock 2017). The
design brief is described to provide solutions to the problems which occur in a project.
Morphological analysis
This design method is applied to product design to explore all possible solution to multi-
dimensional problems. In this study, a complex problem has been identified that is, a
schedule decision problem for the airline industry. This approach breaks down the system
into parts, isolate the elements to get the output as well as to solve the simplified system to
create of desired models (Montgomery 2017). It is not dropping components from the
system, but it works backwards from output towards the system internals. There are some
steps which are followed in morphological analysis such as:
1. Determination of the problem characteristics. The individual problem solver should
brainstorm to define the problem characteristics which are referred to as
parameters (Buede and Miller 2016).
2. All the possible suggestions are visible to the group in different ways until there is
consensus is being reached regards to groupings.

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3. The groups are labelled and reduced into a manageable number. Rather than
reaching for the recommended number, considered capabilities of the groups and
availability of time (Heyler et al., 2016).
4. After this, the filling of the grid with lists of the parameters which are arranged along
the axes is carried on. There is the identification of combinations in the grid (Jasri
and Rahim 2017).
This design method is considered as the bridge between problem solving science and
engineering. It takes time as well as effort to create the morphological field. After
sometimes, this method is required for improvements and modifications into the system.
Objective tree
Girodon et al., (2015) discussed that this design method is used in transforming design
statements into particular requirements of a customer. This method breaks down the design
related problems into a various levels to make simple and clear objectives. This method
follows three steps such as to prepare a list of design objectives, then to order list into the
set of higher level as well as to lower level objectives. Finally, there is drawing of the tree of
goals, showing the hierarchical relationships as well as interconnections (Suyoto,
Indraprastha and Purbo 2015). The objective tree aims to clarify the design objectives as
well as subordinates into various levels, higher level as well as lower level.
Brainstorming
It is a group problem-solving method where a group of people uses collective intelligence to
approach creative problems (De Roo and Hillier 2016). This particular technique is used to
inspire people to come up with creative ideas. Brainstorming session is also conducted at
starting of the project to address specific questions. It is a design method which is employed
when designing new products are required. Using this method, the team leader and project
members are allowed to think about the problems and then come up with proper solutions.
Brainstorming session is required among the project team to adhere for providing guidance
and improving over the individual performance (Bali and Amin 2017). The purpose of this
design technique is to get quality and creative ideas to encourage people so that they can
use their imaginations. It is leveraged of collective thinking among the group, engaged with

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each other and building of new ideas among the designer users so that new work is
progressed.
Quality function development (QFD)
It is a design method used to measure the quality of the customer satisfaction with the
product and service. It is a structured method used for identification as well as prioritisation
of the customer's expectations (Girodon et al., 2015). It is such a structured approach to
define the needs of the customer and its requirements. It is translated into specific plans for
production of products in order to meet with customer's needs. A proven test is being
conducted with the customers to recognise their reviews about the product while an open
test is being performed where the competitors' products are being presented to the
customers to collect their feedback about the product (Heyler et al. 2016). Design technique
such as QFD is used to assist the design teams in deciding which complex engineering
characteristics are focused and designed the product to fit with customer's needs. It is seen
that customer-driven QFD is focused on the customer, views of product needs and its
possible qualities. QFD is a combination of two methods which providing of customer
satisfaction with rational negotiations of practical as well as ease necessities (Sharma 2013).
This design method is required for higher work efforts. It is feasible to develop new systems,
but some of the challenges occur when there is applying of complex systems.
Evaluation matrix
The designers are faced with problems of various design options and require evaluating the
designing solutions down to concept which meets with the demands. When the design of
the product is implemented, there remains an available set of criteria to guide the designer
with the best choices (De Roo and Hillier 2016). A particular set of criteria is used to
evaluate based on design objectives which are established at an earlier stage of the
designing process and then weighted. Design objectives consist of design requirements.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that design methods are focused on divergence, exploring of
possibilities as well as constraints of such situations by critically thinking about use of
various design methods to create an understanding towards a better design related
solutions. Design methods are used to design work, though it includes gaining of key insights

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which results in holistic solutions ensuring users of the products and services obtain their
better experiences. It can be recommended that a documentation of design methods are
prevented, and a widen approach must be adopted to expand the search for obtaining
proper solutions. Documentation of the design methods helps to do imaginative thinking.
The mentioned design methods are such techniques which are to be formulated to the aid
of the creative approach thought towards better design.

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References
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multi-criteria decision making approach. International Journal of Advanced Operations
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Gordon, J., Monticolo, D., Bonjour, E. and Perrier, M., 2015. An organizational approach to
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