To introduce the student to the science and art of New Product Development. It links the manufacturing and construction skills learnt in earlier modules with the design process and these are brought together by means of a project. The project is intended to take the student through the basic design process into requirements engineering, market analysis, materials, manufacturing processes and the production of an initial business plan.

Problem definition and clarification - design briefs; New Product Development (NPD) Concurrent Engineering NPD vs Traditional NPD; The deliverables of processes of design; NPD Failure Reasons, Rationale for Concurrent Engineering. NPD Project Planning- Minimising NPD Lead Time, NPD Resources, Teams. NPD Requirements Definition - Specifications, QFD, Focus Groups, Functional Analysis. Defining Customer Requirements, House of Quality (HOQ), Voice of the Customer (VOC), Product, Process Planning -Parts Deployment & Production Planning. Product Concept Evolution- Idea & Concept Generation, Creativity, Brainstorming - Morphological Analysis, Synectics, Analogy. Concept Evaluation - Ranking Methods, Concept Assessment Techniques, AHP. -Pughs Concept Selector, Convergence and Divergence. Standardisation & Modularity- Features of Good Design, Parts & Processes Commonality.The cost of complexity and variation. Variety Reduction. Design for Assembly (DFA). Legal Aspects of NPD - Laws on Product Liability and EU PL Directive, CE Mark.- Safety Evaluation, Prevention of Defective Products. Intellectual Property - Patents, Application Process and requirements. -Copyright, trademarks and design registration.

1. Given a range of previously learnt theory, be able to apply this to the development of new products. 2. Develop the ability to use previously published Charts and Data Sheets for a range of engineering elements (eg Springs, bearings, bolts) and apply this ability to suitable mechanical engineering problems 3. Develop competence to work in an engineering project team on an self selected new product development project. 4. Develop the ability to prepare a technical presentation to for the potential stakeholders in a new product development project. (Eg. potential customers, senior management and potential investors.) 5. Understand the rights and obligations of the following: Intellectural property rights - design protection, design law; patent law; product life cycles; product liability.

The students will further develop their professional engineering or technology skills, develop advanced level presentation capability and a thorough understanding of key design and new product development methodologies.

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Students will be taught through Lectures and Tutorials and through an advanced self selected NPD project.