Manufacturability Design criteria are attributes or project goals that enable comparison to be made among alternative solutions. Typical design criteria are listed below. Compatibility with other systems 12. Generating alternative solutions Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when it is the only one you have. Brainstorming is one technique commonly employed by a team, optimally no more than six to eight, to generate a range of possible solutions.
Free expression is critical to the success of a brainstorming session.
It is important for the group leader to ensure that judgement of any ideas is reserved until the session has been completed. At this point in the process, members of the design team should encourage each other to challenge basic assumptions, consider analogies, identify critical parameters, and, in addition to considering novel alternatives, be imaginative in rearranging, recombining, or eliminating existing components or process steps. Analyzing the possibilities At this step, the alternative solutions are analyzed to determine the best solution in light of available knowledge and criteria. Analysis involves the use of mathematical and engineering principles, the laws of economics, and common sense to determine performance capability. Judgment must be exercised in selecting the method of analysis, which could range from simple and quick hand calculations to complex, costly and involve computer analyses.