The Generics and Specifics of PDS
Guidelines on developing PDS for beginners
Disclaimer: The views in this article are solely my own and not influenced by anyone or anything.
During this time of pandemic and emerging technologies, the scope for producing, innovating, and capitalising on new items is arguably on the rise. Now, one of the things inevitably on my mind, when I try to design products, is the PDS (Product Design Specification). PDS creation can be either a fun or a routine task depending on how customer-centric or product-centric you require your amazing brand-new item to be. Well, that decision will be somewhat yours. Although, I almost always have fun documenting PDS.
Before we indulge any further into the PDS process, let us first know what exactly is PDS. According to the University of Wisconsin–Madison,
“The product design specification (PDS) is a document created during the problem definition activity very early in the design process. It details the requirements that must be met for the product or process to be successful.”
Dissecting PDS
Now that we have a basic idea of PDS, let us break it down further using the ‘5W1H’ method:
- What is it?
Guidelines for product design.
- Why do you need it?
For achieving successful designs.
- Who is it for?
All stakeholders.
- When do you make it?
Very early in the design stage.
- Where can we make it?
Almost anywhere.
- How can we make it?
Through a dynamic process and effective teamwork.
The above example not only breaks down the PDS aspects but also insinuates on how to write a PDS document. The structure of the PDS will employ succinct words, albeit with generic pointers. The generic elements combined will facilitate in narrowing the specifics of your design.
PDS Elements
It can be remarked that there is no such thing as a perfect PDS; it is a dynamic process, but it will lay out the foundations for regulating the design of your product(s). The creation of PDS typically includes several elements. Initially, ALL elements should be considered for PDS, even basic/apparent/generic requirements. This can, in turn, potentially aid you in the latter stages.
I have often found it useful to record some PDS elements down on sticky notes and continuously discussing it with my colleagues for optimum results. In the following outline, you can find the 20 standard elements and pointers — according to me — that helps with PDS development. It is a portion of a PDS for my Formula Student UK differential gearbox. This list is not comprehensive nor exhaustive, and you are expected to adapt it for your specific problems.
- Aesthetics:
- Are looks, surface finishing, texture important to you?
2. Client requirements:
- Is it for everyone or a niche customer base?
3. Cost:
- Maintain the cost of production between 25%-30%.
4. Competition:
- Do you need to establish a market for your product or does it exist?
5. Design:
- Do you require it to be drastically different or familiar?
6. Disposal:
- Consider recyclability, reusability, and usage of easily disposable materials.
7. Dimensions:
- Implement SI units for measurement or as per client demands.
8. Documentation and Standards:
- Do you require any legal, safety, quality or copyright documents?
9. Economic and Environmental Sustainability:
- Lowest energy and material consumption as possible.
- Keep a threshold for wastage and sustainability elements; resorting to sustainable means should not reduce profit margins by more than 10%.
10. Environment:
- What conditions will it operate in? For example, consider temperature, humidity, dampness, etc.
11. Ethical and Professionalism Issues:
- Ethical considerations need to be made throughout the product lifecycle.
- Avoid exaggerated claims or dishonesty; maintain professional ethics.
12. Function:
- What does it need to do?
13. Life:
- How long will it last?
14. Maintenance:
- How often does it need maintenance?
15. Material Selection:
- What type of material will you utilise? How will you source it? Do you want strong or fit-for-purpose materials? Will it need to be tested?
16. Operation:
- Will it be operating continuously or intermittently?
17. Ownership:
- Who owns the product at different stages of its lifecycle?
18. Packaging:
- Will it require any special packaging?
19. Production:
- How will you produce it? Will it be sustainable?
20. Volume:
- How many will you make?
Ending Remarks
It is a worthy idea if you try having a shot at diverse PDS documents before you start making your own. This will enable you to be more flexible in the future. Always be mindful that PDS is to control and guide the processes to reach your end goal, but it is not the end goal itself. Also, all stakeholder views must be considered before you proceed to create your PDS. Additionally, it should be noted that just as poor PDS leads to poor design, good PDS does not automatically result in good designs. It is still dependant on diverse internal and external factors.
And… that was my two cents on PDS. Did I overlook any key elements? Do let me know in the comments below. As always, I will be back next week with another fascinating topic in the “1000 words or less” series. Until then, stay safe, à bientôt, and I hope you have a nice one! :)
