Semester 1 Overview

This unit, HDPD512 Professional Project 1, consists of the initial half of a self directed research and design project and will require regular progress reports and de-briefing with design and engineering support staff each week during the semester. The research from this unit will culminate in the submission of an 8,000 word (maximum) technical report (plus appendices), correctly referenced (Harvard), outlining all the relevant areas of research and a design folio containing concept development and selection processes.

The project will conclude with a professional seminar presentation to a review panel comprising representatives of both the Faculty of Design and Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences.

PROJECT DELIVERABLES

PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL REPORT

The preliminary technical report allows students to gain valuable feedback regarding their research methods and report writing prior to submission of the final technical report. Reports must be correctly referenced and outline all the relevant areas of the new product development process. It is not expected that students submit a complete report at this stage – reports should reflect current research progress but provide adequate opportunity for constructive evaluation and feedback.

Executive Summary, Introduction and Problem Statement,

Project Planning,

Literature Review: Patents, Prior Art, Materials and Technology etc.

Initial market research and user surveys

CONCEPTS

By this stage research should be sufficiently advanced to inform the design process. You are required to brainstorm and then present / submit three conceptual designs that meet the initial criteria determined by your examination of the market, user needs and appropriate technology.

It is expected that the initial research concepts will further inform the research with particular regard to materials and manufacturing, technology etc.

Each concept must be described in rendered ‘hero’ images (both perspective and elevation) and through the use of rendered exploded perspective drawings.

Drawings must use notation to describe function, components, proposed materials etc and utilise an accurate human figure to indicate scale and proportion and method of interaction. It is expected that a combination of freehand perspective sketching and 3D-CAD imagery will be used during conceptualisation.

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

Following concept presentation, a concept selection process is to be undertaken to rank the most suitable concept when ranked against a criteria based on defined customer needs and product metrics identified through the research process.

The preferred concept should then be further developed using the design process to further inform the research requirements.

DIGITAL PROJECT PRESENTATION

Students will present their projects to a review panel comprising representatives of both the Faculty of Design and Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences in front of fellow students. Refer to the ‘Presentation Guidelines’ sheet for further information. Each student will have ten minutes to present, plus five minutes to answer questions from the panel. Presentations must outline product need, research findings, market analysis, user surveys, conceptual design and design development.

10 minute formal presentation

Digital copy of presentation

DESIGN FOLIO

At the presentation, bound A3 designs folios must be submitted for evaluation and feedback to facilitate design development during the mid year break. It is expected that significant progress will have been made since the presentation of concepts.

Design folios must include all design work undertaken during semester including well advanced current design (developed from chosen concept after concept selection process), development sketching and CAD outputs, concept designs (from week 9) and initial conceptual sketching.

A3 Design folio containing all project design

CD-ROM containing hero and explanatory images in digital format

TECHNICAL REPORT

The research from this unit will culminate in the submission of an 8,000 word (maximum) technical report (plus appendices), correctly referenced (to Harvard Standard) outlining all the relevant areas of research including: executive summary, introduction, project planning, literature review, market analysis, product design specification and design methodology. Previously completed student reports will be available in class and in the Prahran library (catalogued) for perusal and reference.

8000 word technical report (spiral bound on A4)

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Professional Project is assessed on the professionalism of the student’s execution of this self-initiated and driven project. Research, engineering and design outcomes are expected to be completed to a highly professional standard, working in consultation with industry and technical partners. Students are expected to complete all sections of the project to an acceptable standard.

SUMMARY

This project is the culmination of the skills and knowledge acquired during the course. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their outstanding skills in creative design and innovative engineering by working closely with industry partners to realise a fully researched and commercially viable product design. However students must be careful to balance their workloads in this project against the requirements of other subjects.

Careful project planning and time management are essential to the research and design process if it is to lead to a successful outcome. It is critical that students engage with industry and maintain links with support partners throughout the project. Students must utilise staff resources and scheduled studio time effectively to further their research and designs.