Ideation/Conceptual Designs:
- Form a function tree showing all the individual functions grouped under higher levels of functions. Functions should be presented as a verb-noun combination.
- Form a morphological matrix to present various solution principles for the various functions of the function tree
- Develop at least 5 of the most feasible concepts developed for the solution of their project. The presentation of each concept should be self-contained so that an engineer can reasonably understand it. For each concept, include:
- Descriptive name (e.g. “Folding Linkage Design” and not “Design 1”)
- Brief description in sentence form.
- Descriptive sketches sufficient to explain the concept. Label all essential parts, views, and directions. If the concept is used in multiple positions (e.g. open and closed), show a sketch for each. Hand-drawn sketches that are scanned in clearly are OK.
- Itemize the advantages and disadvantages of each design (below each sketch, if possible). Use the PMI (plus/minus/interesting) classification in list form.
- Discuss the concepts with your end-user and/or sponsor to collect their feedback on your preliminary concepts through interviews and/or group discussions. Use the feedback to update your specification sheet.
- Identify the “dealbreaker” function or sub-function critical to the project’s success and devise a prototyping strategy to validate the feasibility.