THE IDEALITY "WHAT" MODEL FOR PRODUCT DESIGN
Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Weiss, Alon; Avital, Iko; Helfman Cohen, Yael; Kumar Das, Amarendra; Mazor, Gedalya
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1Indian Institute of Technology- Guwahati, India, 2SCE College of Engineering, Israel, 3Porter School of Environmental Studies, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Section: Design Methods
Page(s): 594-599
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract
This article presents an innovative design model for both designers and engineers that can serve as a
crucial compass during the formulation of a Product Design brief. The model was developed in order
to bridge the gap that exists between the quest for sustainable design and the limitations of traditional
briefs by focusing on the analysis level of the “WHAT” in order to enhance the “HOW” hands-on
output. The model is based on the TRIZ ideality concept and the Bio-mimicry approach, incorporating
sustainability principles inspired by nature. This design model directs designers and engineers through
complex planning challenges, including the demand for sustainable processes and materials, novel
attributes, efficiency, functionality and lower costs. Mechanical engineers and product designers that
utilize this model achieve interactive strategic thinking that can balance the main planning stages of
product functionality, such as manufacturing, advanced materials, logistics processes, marketing
demands and related costs. This article presents and expands upon the theoretical basis of the model
and also discusses its practical contribution through a case study conducted in an academic classroom
experiment with students in a program for Mechanical Engineering and Product Design.
Keywords: Increasing benefits, efficiency, sustainability, TRIZ, Bio-mimicry, Bio-inspiration, ideality, product design