Product Designer

Introduction

This product designer tool has been developed to support a better understanding of how systems engineering and modular design techniques can be used to support the design and development of complex products.  This tool supports the following functionality:

  • Users are able to create and save one design – then return and edit at a later date;
  • Create designs with 5 systems, 7 unique components and up to 20 components in total – recognising that unique components can be used multiple times in a design;
  • Please note the tool is limited to only one system for each component.  In reality components belong to more than one system;
  • Zoom in and out to improve visual engagement.

Instructions

Product design is an activity that considers many factors that include customer requirements, performance, safety, environmental impact as well as cost.  However, at the heart of the design process there is a need to decide how to document the design, assemble the parts required and provide support when it is in use.

This tool uses a five step process:

  • One: Decide the name of your product or design project;
  • Two: Think of the systems that your product will need to make it work.  For example, propulsion, control, structure and electrical systems may be required;
  • Three: Decide what components your product will need. A body such as an aircraft fuselage, engines or motors, wheels, batteries perhaps a fuel tank. As you add the components decide which type of system they might support;
  • Four: In the last stage decide how the components will be assembled. Start with a component in the list and then add the others until you have built your final product. When you have finished select “Make Graph” to view the assembled structure of the product you have created.
  • Five: In the last stage, click the “Make Graph” button to reveal a chart that displays the structure of the product you have designed.

If you wish to save your design please register for a FREE account.  This short YouTube video clip provides a guide on using the tool.  Thank you for your interest.

1. Name your product

Decide the name of your product or design project.

2. Define Systems

Think of the systems that your product will need to make it work. For example, propulsion, control, structure and electrical systems may be required. Systems added here will be available in the add components section (3).

3. Add Unique components

Decide what components your product will need. A body such as an aircraft fuselage, engines or motors, wheels, batteries perhaps a fuel tank. As you add the components decide which type of system they might support. Components added here will be available to assemble in the Assemble components section (4).

4. Assemble components

Name your product (e.g. Boeing 747) and then start with a component in the list and then add the others until you have built your final product. When you have finished select “Make Graph” to view the assembled structure of the product you have created.

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