Title: The 24 hr product: from concept to interactive model in less than a day

Authors: Paul Johnson, R. Griffiths, Steve Gill

Addresses: Product Design, Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU, UK. ' Cardiff School of Art and Design, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK. ' Cardiff School of Art and Design, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK

Abstract: This paper reports a comparative study on the results of a competitive design project undertaken simultaneously by two multidisciplinary new product development teams in the UK, one based in London and the other in Cardiff, Wales. The project set out to cover the ground from briefing document to the full design and prototyping of an information appliance within 24 hr and to compare and contrast design methodologies employed to complete the challenge. The task was to apply proven design process methodologies to design a device that enhanced communication, knowledge and well-being of target user groups utilising the latest information technology. This paper concentrates on the creativity, design and interface phases of the product development process. In conclusion, this paper compares the strengths and weaknesses of the Cardiff team|s interface development methodology, particularly through comparison with the more traditional design approach undertaken by the competing team.

Keywords: product design; new product development; NPD; computer aided design; CAD; industrial design; interface ergonomics; design development strategies; design engineering; multidisciplinary teams; design process; information appliances; information technology; creativity; design concept; interactive models; development time; competitive design projects.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2007.015335

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2007 Vol.1 No.1, pp.56 - 70

Published online: 10 Oct 2007 *

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