Design and Technology students are often introduced to the concept of iterative design: a cyclic approach that involves repeatedly refining a design through cycles of prototyping, testing, and improvement, resulting in a new iteration. It is based on the idea that design solutions are best developed through an ongoing process of creating a prototype, testing it with users, analysing feedback, making improvements and repeating the cycle.
Iterative design prioritises the value of user feedback and real-life testing, rather than making assumptions about what is needed. Iterative design is similar to continuous improvement processes, such as Kaizen,™ a Japanese term meaning “change for better,” which focuses on making small, ongoing improvements over time, rather than occasional disruptive changes.
Advantages of Iterative Design
- Design problems can be discovered quickly and fixed
- Design improves over time
- Costly errors can be avoided
- Mimics what often happens in real life – the way products are used and refined over time
Disadvantages of Iterative Design
- Can delay the time before a product is brought to market
Examples of Iterative Design
- Dyson vacuum cleaners which have been refined over time. Their original design was also the result of testing thousands of different prototypes.
Amiria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. She is a CIE Accredited Art & Design and Design & Technology Coursework Assessor. Amiria now teaches Art, Design & Technology at ACG Parnell College.