Feedback in System Analysis and Design

[identify the features of a control system in terms of input devices, processing elements, output devices, feedback – IG]

[Basic principles of manual, semi-automatic and automatic control using input, output, feedback and amplification.]

Examples of Input, Process, and Output in Computer aided design (CAD)

• Input devices:
  • Digital cameras;
  • Mouse and keyboard;
  • Graphics tablet;
  • Scanner;
• Processing Software:
  • Techsoft Design
  • Adobe Illustrator
• Output devices:
  • Digital Printers
  • Laser cutters
  • 3D printers

Why designers use basic control principles of input, output, feedback and amplification to demonstrate how their ideas will function

• A concise way of thinking about complicated systems: Thinking in terms of control systems allows designers to consider all aspects of a system and how they related.  This helps people understand the purpose of each part of the system.
• Testing of design ideas: Designers use control principles to validate their ideas before full production begins. For example, when designing interactive point-of-sale displays, they test how user input (touching a screen) creates the desired output (information display), ensuring the concept functions as intended.
• User experience optimization: Understanding the relationship between input and output helps designers create more intuitive products. This also helps assess how different components work together, ensuring various sensors (inputs) work harmoniously with display elements (outputs) to create a coherent user experience. In interactive displays, visual, auditory, or tactile feedback (output) might confirm successful user actions (input), improving the user experience. In digital signage systems, designers can test how user interactions (input) lead to content changes (output), ensuring the response time and behaviour meet user expectations.
• Cost savings:By monitoring control systems, designers can identify the most efficient ways to achieve desired results. For instance, in smart packaging design, understanding how much sensor technology (input) is needed to achieve the required interactivity (output) helps optimize production costs.
• Quality control: Monitoring input and output helps maintain consistent product performance. For example, a factory creating packaging might use automated sensors (input) to monitor product alignment while feedback systems adjust positioning mechanisms (output) to ensure precise and reliable cutting of nets. Feedback allows designers to develop ‘responsive’ machines, which allow continuous monitoring of performance. In digital print production, constant monitoring of print quality (input) enables automatic adjustments (output) to maintain consistent results and helping to prevent errors, minimising waste. Amplification refers to how a system adjusts its response based on feedback to achieve the desired outcome. For example, in an automated printing system, if feedback indicates that print colours are too faint, the system amplifies the ink flow or pressure (adjusts the response) until the desired colour intensity is achieved (output). This continuous monitoring and adjustment process ensures the system maintains optimal performance. Amplification can also improve safety, with parts of the system set to switch off if certain limits are reached.
• Maintenance planning: Understanding control systems helps designers plan for product maintenance. For instance, monitoring systems in digital displays can provide feedback about component wear, enabling predictive maintenance schedules.
• Environmental adaptation: Control principles allow products to adapt to changing conditions. Smart packaging might use environmental sensors (input) to adjust protective properties (output) based on temperature or humidity changes. Understanding control principles helps designers optimize resource use. In automated packaging systems, feedback loops ensure minimal material waste while maintaining quality standards.

[Strategies to evaluate how well a manufacturing system has worked. – A2]

[Continuous improvement processes, such as Kaizen™. – A2]

[coming soon]