Tasks and Duties
Task Objective: Develop a comprehensive project plan and initial product concept for a fictitious industrial design project. In this task, you will simulate the early stages of a real-world industrial design project by conducting market research, creating a project timeline, developing a mood board, and outlining a clear design brief.
Expected Deliverables: A single file (preferably in PDF format) that includes your project plan, design brief, mood board, and initial sketches or concept illustrations. Ensure the document is well-organized and clearly labeled.
Key Steps:
- Conduct market research on a current or emerging trend in industrial design using publicly available sources.
- Create a project timeline using Gantt charts or similar planning tools that outlines key project milestones over a period of several weeks.
- Develop a design brief that outlines your project objectives, target audience, and design requirements.
- Compile a mood board that collates images, textures, colors, and materials that inspire your initial concept.
- Provide initial sketches or illustrations of the product concept.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated on the clarity and depth of your market research, the professionalism and realism of your project plan, the creativity displayed in your mood board and sketches, and the overall cohesiveness of your design brief. It should reflect the fundamental principles of industrial design and demonstrate a clear connection between planning and execution.
This task is estimated to take approximately 30 to 35 hours of focused work.
Task Objective: Develop proficiency in 3D design software by creating a detailed 3D model of your product concept from Week 1. This task simulates the real-world requirement of transforming initial sketches into a fully-realized digital model for further refinement and presentation.
Expected Deliverables: A single file submission containing the 3D model file (in a standard format such as .STL, .OBJ, or a native project file) along with rendered images of the model from multiple angles in high resolution (preferably in PDF or image compilation).
Key Steps:
- Review and refine the product concept created during Week 1.
- Select a 3D modeling software tool (such as Blender, Fusion 360, or SolidWorks) that you are comfortable with.
- Create a detailed 3D model that accurately embodies the design brief, ensuring all key features and details are represented.
- Render the model from at least three different angles, and include at least one exploded view or sectional view to show internal configurations.
- Document any challenges faced and explain the design decisions made during the modeling process.
Evaluation Criteria: Submission will be assessed based on the accuracy of the 3D model, the quality and realism of the renderings, the complexity of design details, and the clarity of your documentation of design choices. The final deliverable should reflect a solid understanding of 3D design techniques pertinent to industrial design.
The task is expected to require roughly 30 to 35 hours of work.
Task Objective: Translate your digital product concept into a realistic prototype simulation by focusing on materials, textures, and functional design elements. This task emphasizes material selection and the simulation of physical properties using design software tools.
Expected Deliverables: A file submission (preferably in PDF format) that includes images of your prototype simulation (screen captures or rendered images) along with explanations of material choices, fabrication techniques, and any simulation parameters.
Key Steps:
- Review your 3D model from Week 2 and identify key sections where material properties are critical.
- Select realistic materials and simulate their properties using available design software (such as simulation tools in Fusion 360 or SolidWorks).
- Document simulated stress analysis, durability testing, or thermal properties relevant to the product's intended environment if applicable.
- Prepare detailed annotated renderings that show texture, finish, and material properties of the prototype.
- Compose a narrative explaining your material selection, design adjustments based on simulation outcomes, and potential manufacturing considerations.
Evaluation Criteria: Your submission will be evaluated on the realism and appropriateness of the material simulation, the clarity of annotations, the thoroughness of your analysis on material performance, and the connection between material properties and overall design functionality.
This practical task is designed to take approximately 30 to 35 hours.
Task Objective: Address the critical aspects of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and sustainability by refining your product concept to optimize it for scalable production and environmental consideration. The focus is on incorporating design features that enhance manufacturability and reduce environmental impact in a realistic industrial context.
Expected Deliverables: A file submission (PDF preferred) that includes a revised product design with annotations highlighting modifications made for manufacturability and sustainability. Include comparative diagrams or illustrations demonstrating before-and-after impacts of the design changes.
Key Steps:
- Evaluate your existing product design for potential manufacturing issues such as assembly complexity, material waste, or production cost concerns.
- Research sustainable materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes using publicly available resources.
- Revise your design with detailed annotations explaining specific changes for improved manufacturability and environmental sustainability.
- Create diagrams comparing the original design with your revised design to clearly demonstrate the integration of sustainable practices.
- Discuss potential trade-offs between aesthetics, functionality, and production feasibility.
Evaluation Criteria: Submissions will be assessed on the innovation and feasibility of the modifications, critical analysis of the original design, thoroughness of sustainability considerations, and the presentation of clear visual comparisons. The final deliverable should be comprehensive and reflect a practical approach to real-world industrial design challenges.
This task is expected to take approximately 30 to 35 hours of work.
Task Objective: Prepare a final comprehensive presentation that encapsulates your project journey, from conceptualization to prototyping and design optimization. This task emphasizes the ability to communicate the design process and rationale effectively in a professional format, simulating the final stage of a real-world industrial design project.
Expected Deliverables: A single file submission in PDF or PowerPoint format that includes six to eight slides covering the project overview, design brief, 3D model renderings, material simulation, design revisions for manufacturing and sustainability, and a section detailing lessons learned or future improvement suggestions.
Key Steps:
- Review all materials and work completed over the previous weeks to consolidate your project insights.
- Create a structured presentation with clear sections: introduction, project objectives, methodology, key design milestones, final results, and future recommendations.
- Include high-quality visuals, diagrams, and annotated images that demonstrate your design evolution.
- Explain the design challenges encountered, the decisions made, and how feedback from internal reviews (simulated by self-evaluation) influenced your final design outcome.
- Include a reflective section where you discuss the broader implications of your design choices in relation to industrial design trends and sustainability topics.
Evaluation Criteria: Your presentation will be evaluated on clarity of communication, visual quality, depth of technical detail, and professionalism. The narrative should provide a coherent story of your design journey and demonstrate mastery of industrial design principles and software tools.
This final task is estimated to require approximately 30 to 35 hours of work.