AIM L2 - NVQ 6448 - Understanding the design brief

Understanding the design brief

1.1 Explain the purpose of a design brief.

The design brief is a very important part of the design process as it makes sure that the important design issues are considered and questioned before the design process begins. The design brief tells the designer what needs to be done and what the finished product is gonna do and be so they are aware of possible problems and can avoid them early on.

1.2 Outline the type of information you would expect to find in a design brief.

A Design brief contains various points of information which are very brief, are not a set of instructions and are clear to the point.
- Objectives and goals of the new design - Budget and schedule - Target audience - Available materials/required materials - Overall style/look - Any problems and solutions.

1.3 Outline why the design brief is critical to the design process.

Starting a project without a design brief is much like building a house without a blueprint, although very much possible, it will be very difficult, there will be a lot of problems and the end product may not meet expectations.
A design brief is important as it tells the designer exactly what they need to do and what they need to avoid to make the process run as smoothly as possible as they can plan time and materials to stick to time and budget while sticking to what the client wants. Everybody's happy!

2.1 Identify the key client expectations within the design brief.

 The client expectations are:

- The overall goal of the new design e.g Colour, size, logo, target audience.- Branding- Target Audience- Differers from competitors - Stands out from competition.- Is it updatig design work or is it new material.
- Time allowed
- Cost factors
- Copyright issues
- Clear specifications for the brief

2.2 Explain what the design solution must achieve.
The design solution must follow the design brief set by the client and the designer and include all design specifications. The design solution must meet the needs of the client.

2.3 Identify the parameters and limitations in the design brief.
That is set within the design specifications which has been agreed between the designer and the client. 

2.4 Give examples of formats used for design briefs.
The format of the design brief is dependant on what the design actually requires for example a Logo design brief would include colour, font, size. However designing a car, the design brief would have to include materials, shape and technology. 

2.5 Give examples of key terms used in a design brief and their meanings.

Client: The stakeholder
Design Specifications: Everything that the design must include.
Target Audience: Who is the product being designed for.
Budget: What is the cost going to be for the design.
Time Scale: What is the time limit given to the design project.
Client Expectations: The design meets the needs of the clients wishes.
Analysis: Brainstorming of the design problem.
Research: Researching the design problem.
Prototype and Mock-up: Making a real life example of the design before production.
Working Drawings and 3D models: This is to help with the realisation of the design.
Testing and evaluation: Testing and evaluating the finished design.
Competition: Understanding competition in the marketplace.
Brand Position.