Design Methods

A variety of approaches and methods are available to apply within the overall cycle:

● observation – direct observation of site or situation, and expanding on it
● observation – adopt the lessons learned from nature, transfer them to your own
situation
● analysis - list the characteristics of your elements/components (like we did with the
chicken)
● analysis using overall patterns (such as zone and sector analysis)
● analysis by flow diagrams – for access and movement, such as workplace layout
and work flow design
● options and decisions – map the different options and decisions to show possible
pathways to the desired result, compare the probabilities of success for the different
pathways
● data overlay – map various features individually, then overlay them to gain the
overall picture.
● random assembly – identify elements/components required and put them together
randomly, stimulating unexpected solutions
● incremental design – continuous improvement by adjustment over time
● design by limiting factors

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