In the systematic model of the Delft’s industrial design engineering process four phases in the product creation can be discerned: analysis, synthesis, embodiment design, and optimization [1]. Each phase marks a different stage of the development of a product design. The end of each phase can be seen as a decision point in which the work done is evaluated and decisions are made for the next phase. Figure 1 shows the Delft’s model for systematic product development and indicates the activities and results per phase.

In the analysis phase the starting point is a design goal or assignment. Information is gathered about all relevant aspects related to the design goal, such as function of the product, market, target group, technology. Results of this phase are a set of design criteria. In the synthesis phase product concepts are generated on the basis of the design criteria. Concepts are worked out up to a level where they can be evaluated on their feasibility in terms of technology, user aspects, production etc. After evaluation, one concept or a combination of concepts is selected for further development. In the embodiment design phase the selected concept is elaborated up to working prototypes. These prototypes are tested and consequently optimised, in the final phase. Finally, the details of the product are worked out up to the level of a production ready product design and a marketing plan is set up as well.

design criteria

concept design

product design

market introduction

Fig. 1. Phase model of the product design process, translated from [1].