Written by:
Erik
11/7/2008 10:49 PM
Mechanisms are essential to products. They provide access to the
features and benefits of a product and often are integral to the
man-machine interface. They are the means to convert a simple user
intention and interaction into a useful action of the product.
Because they are usually very connected to the user interface, a
mechanism's execution has a huge impact on the user's perception
of the product as a whole. Therefore, it seems reasonable that strong
focus is given to the design of mechanisms within a product. How many
times have you used a product with levers and buttons that either broke
or just didn't feel right? Imagine one example. What was your overall
impression of that product? It's very possible that the product you're
thinking of actually functioned well otherwise, but had poorly designed
mechanisms.
Mechanisms are used all over the place in products, and vary greatly from simple to complex. At their core is the ability to
transmit force into useful action. Ideally, a user would perform the action themselves, so the ultimate goal from a user's
perspective is to make the mechanism feel as if they are performing the action themselves. However, there are many material
and physical properties as well as manufacturing demands that stand in the way of every mechanism and attempt to prevent
mechanism action from happening smoothly and seemlessly. Because mechanisms typically alter somehow the direction or magnitude
of force a user is applying, provide as many cues to the user as to how to control the mechanism as possible. This includes
visual displays, texture, force response, color, audible response, among others.
Complete article... at www.productdesignresources.com
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4 comments so far...
Re: Improving Mechanism Design
Mechanisms, no doubt, are inherent to the overall functioning of a device. To improve upon mechanisms is to improve on the product itself. I guess that is the reason that so many virtual mechanism design softwares are now available to experiment well with it before implementation.
By jigyasa on
11/8/2008 12:42 AM
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Re: Improving Mechanism Design
What I have found is many new things just don't have as good a feel as older things do. Keyboards are lighter and have more functions but don't last as long and are just not as comfortable as a old one I have from 25 years ago.
Mice are the same way. Much better in function, but as far as comfort and durability go they just plain suck unless you buy one for $100 or more. I want to spend my money on my child's education, not a overpriced rat!
By Taki on
11/10/2008 11:28 PM
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Re: Improving Mechanism Design
You are right, there needs to be better function, especially in the area of where they connect to the board (if there is one). I think that when you have a great product but the it does not function properly due to poor mechanism design, then you are bound to have to keep replacing things. Now I know they are building disposable items more and more, but we need someone that can build for long term use.
By attagirl on
11/15/2008 10:49 AM
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Re: Improving Mechanism Design
As a computer engineer, i know how important is the design process. The design process is an important and very critical phase where the system is developed on how to achieve the desired output. These days people have the habit of following "time to market" strategy and compromise on certain standards. Hence the irregular functionalities and no life for the product.
By descorpio on
11/21/2008 9:18 AM
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