DesignSurfer > Design > Basic Design Principles

There are three basic principles that should guide all design work.

Simplicity Keep It Simple for Success - KISS Principle. 
Cost correlates with size / mass and complexity / number of parts
Clarity Is the function of the machine, product or component clear for all to see?
Safety Is the machine inherently safe? 
Safe for all people who will encounter it during its life? 
Is it reliable?

These are good practice recommendations that have evolved over many years of design experience. Further reading. Pahl, G. and Beitz, W. (1984) Engineering Design, Springer-Verlag. Chapter 6.


Design Surfer index | Created by David Radcliffe and Anders Kragelund | © University of Queensland 1999
Last updated 12 December 1999