The application of a structured design process to a new CCTV camera-based product

This thesis deduces an effective strategy for researching, specifying, designing and manufacturing a relatively complex multi-disciplinary product within a typical small to medium sized manufacturing environment. This is achieved through use of a case study project carried out in a specific manufacturing company. The case study was not a simulation but a live and business critical project carried out in time scales dictated by the company.

Although the existing product development process was not obviously detrimental to many of the smaller projects carried out within the company, it would be inadequate for the successful design and development of the impending new, innovative and relatively complex product within case study.

First, the existing company design culture is considered to gain an understanding of the company procedures, and the resources, tools and personnel available. Then the brief for the proposed product is explored at a reasonably high level. The nature of the design process itself is discussed, including research into the theoretical tools and models that can be used to aid the design process. These considerations allow the formulation of a new design approach that would suit the company, its circumstances, and the proposed product.

Following this there is an account of the case study, describing the process that was followed to reach the final solution. This is the design of a CCTV camera, but more accurately the design of a platform product that would provide two new mechanism driven features that would contribute to making it the most advanced camera on the market.

The case study is then reviewed, firstly to assess the success of the product (the failure of the project to finish within time scales is an indication of the resistance to the new approach), and secondly to consider the issues of implementation (where it was successful, where there was resistance, and where there were limits in resources and management support).

Using the information gained from this review, a refined new product design model is defined that would be closer to a generic model suiting all manufacturing companies of this type. However, as the approach is based on the observation of one company and one project, it is indicated the further research would be required to validate the refinements.