218
Section 4 The Problem-Solving and Design Process
Summary
Design problems and opportunities in technological areas can be divided into two
major areas: systems and products. System design deals with the arrangement of com-
ponents to produce the desired result. Product design deals with manufactured products
and constructed structures. In both system and product design, though, designers must
first study the definition of the problem or opportunity before developing design solu-
tions. They must then generate a number of possible solutions and create rough sketches
of their ideas. These sketches become a library of design ideas. From this library, designers
select specific ideas and refine them to bring the solution into focus. Finally, they describe
the refined ideas through detailed sketches.
Test Your Knowledge
Write your answers on a separate piece of paper. Please do not write in this book.
1. What are the two major areas in which designers develop solutions to technological
problems and opportunities?
2. Designing the arrangement of components to produce a desired result is
called ______.
3. Product design deals with developing ______ products and ______ structures.
4. A group of people who work together to create a design is called a(n) ______.
5. List the three steps followed in developing design solutions.
6. What is the difference between divergent and convergent thinking?
7. The best solution is always the least expensive one. True or false?
8. Name one of the rules used for effective brainstorming.
9. Define the term classification as it is used in developing design solutions.
10. What is a what-if scenario?
11. Describe the differences among rough sketches, refined sketches, and detailed
sketches.
12. List the three types of information required in detailed sketches when building
models.
13. What are the primary differences among one-point, two-point, and three-point
perspective sketches?
14. The appearance of a perspective drawing changes as the horizon changes.
True or false?