What to write in a Design Brief – with Gil Dekel

Include 4 elements in your design brief:

Goal = what to achieve.

Context = background, settings, in which the new product must operate.

Constraints = specific guidance, such as: a product should not weight more than 1 kilo.

Criteria = less specific, they are more open, such as: intuitive product for a specific lifestyle user.

Here is an example:

Goal:

A kitchen utensil that will remove the skin from fruit and vegetables.

Context:

For daily use by men and women of all ages.

Constraints:

- Retail price no more than £7

- Time scale, in retail outlets in 10 months

- Weigh no more than 50g

- Suitable for left or right handed use

Criteria:

- Simple to maintain

- Simple to clean

- Simple to and quick to use, especially for those who have poor dexterity

- Easily identifiable and attractive in appearance to purchasers and users

- Robust.

28 June 2014.