Stage 5 Modeling

Chapter 5 is called Definition/Modeling. In this chapter we learn the hierarchy of needs  for design and the steps we need to take in order to meet those needs. The hierarchy of design needs is as follows:

Level 1: Functionality- does your design do what it is suppose to do?
Level 2: Reliability- Is it consistent in its performance?
Level 3: Usability- How easy is it for others to use your design?
Level 4: Proficiency- Is the user's experience improved, allowing things to be done better then before?
Level 5: Creativity- Design at its most creative level crosses disciplines and changes peoples perceptions and experiences.

It is very important to look at the anatomy of an idea to understand how it functions. By breaking something into parts it will be much easier to explain to potential clients, manufactures and others. Details and the correct treatment of details along with creating models and samples is a huge part of modeling a design. Modeling is just another way of sketching out an idea, a different way that will bring out new exploration of your design. Personally, I would much rather make a model or a mock up of a design as opposed to a simple sketch because that way it is much easier for me to see and understand what I am actually making and see what type of issues may come up as far as functionality and construction.

When creating a model it is important to keep in mind that the model is real but it is not the REAL thing. When presenting a mock up it is important that your meaning is clear. What exactly are you presenting. Is it a part of the design? The entire thing, an idea? Make sure this is stated to the client in the begining so that there is no confusion. Other factors in creating models and mock-ups include figuring out the problems that go along with scaling a model and how to fix them. Another important thing is to not get too obsessed with the model, trying to make it absolutely perfect because then the design will fall behind. As long as the hierarchy is understood and followed as best as possible then your priorities should be in order.

The last part of this chapter talks about strategies and time management. I really liked the perspective piece on Ian Cunningham. His story about how he "came in through the side door" without really knowing too much about industrial design and worked his way up is extremely inspiring to me and makes me realize that there are so many possibilities at my fingertips.