The Design Process - Medical Device Design: Innovation from Concept to Market - page 32

A

Optimization of layout

Optimization of principle

Detailed
design

Embodiment Final

documentation

Clarification Conceptual

design

Upgrade and improve

Need

Solution

Information: adapt specification

Overall flow of project development

B

Clarification Embodiment Detailed

design

Final
documentation

Conceptual
design

Figure 3.5
Linear design phase model: (A) original model; (B) extracted model.

3.2.2 Divergent-Convergent Model
Because the models are abstract in thought, it is difficult to visualize the reality. I now
propose to present an alternative model, which I hope better illustrates the design process in
all its glory. If we take the phases identified previously we can produce a model, as illustrated
in Figure 3.7 .

The overall boundary is “funnel” shaped for a specific reason, which will be described
later. Again, this has been presented as a linear task, from left to right, solely for clarity of
presentation. Hidden within this “funnel” is a series of twists, turns, roundabouts, and stop
signs; again, these events will be discussed and presented in more detail later.