Design Crossword

Visual representation of moving images
part of something
creating a picture
Application of principles that consider the effective, safe and comfortable use of a design by humans. An example would be the design of a handle based on anthropometric data and with subsequent usability testing.
Surface treatment of component. Maybe functional and/or cosmetic, examples include polishing, painting and anodizing.
Computer software often used for 2D design work. Also used extensively by graphic designers.
Elements of a product via which a user receives and inputs information. On a smartphone this may be as simple as a touchscreen and a few buttons. On a motorcycle it is far more involving, with both hands and both feet operating controls, along with visual display of information.
Tool used to create plastic parts. Typically made of metal.
Collection of images gathered at the outset of a project to help clarify and communicate aspects of the aesthetic of the yet-undesigned product. Interchangeable with theme board.
Describes form. Soft, irregular shapes, as occur in nature.
A single element. Some products, such as a paperclip, consist of a single part. Often a product is an assembly of multiple parts.
A period within a design program that is identified as having a particular focus of activity and/or outcome. A project may have a user-research phase, a concept phase, etc. This term is commonly used in the US, the word ‘stage’ is largely interchangeable.
An initial small production run produced as a check prior to commencing full-scale production. The pilot run provides an opportunity to further refine assembly process or identify any remaining issues with the design or manufactured parts, thereby saving time & $ in the transition to full production.
A body of design work for a single organisation, typically involving multiple projects. Alternatively a piece of computer software, increasingly called apps or applications.
Stated approach to a design project. This is a response to a brief
A model made during the design process to assess aspects of the design prior to manufacture. Usually physical, but may take other forms, including on-screen or even Post-it notes. For glossary of terms relating to prototyping see separate article, (coming soon!)
Quality control (QC) is a process in which the quality of all factors involved in production is reviewed. It emphasizes testing of products to uncover defects and reporting to those who make the decision to allow or deny product release.
A ratio of size to allow documentation of designs that are too large or small to be documented effectively at true size. For example a chair may be drawn at 1:5 scale (one fifth of full size). A scale may also refer to a ruler with graduations to easily measure scaled drawings, but this is more common in architecture.
An image that is quick to generate and does not contain complete detail. Also used as an adjective, e.g. sketch model.
A company that provides goods or services relating to the item being designed, typically prototype or production components. For design the term is largely interchangeable with ‘supplier’ (though this may be debated by a procurement specialist!). Supplier is more commonly used in Australia and the UK.
The person or people who will use the design. A product may have multiple users, for example ‘users’ of a piece of medical equipment may include the patient, the doctor, and technical staff.
E.E. Electrical (or electronic) engineering.
Design with significant consideration to the environment also called green design.
Early-stage design, not all aspects are resolved, however overall intent or direction should be apparent.