History & Criticism, Management & Leadership, Civil & Environmental, Products, Mechanical, Reference, Mechanical Engineering 

Basic yet comprehensive in approach, this book introduces readers interested in engineering, technology, and design to the methods and theory of concurrent or simultaneous design (i.e., design for manufacturing), where all aspects of product design and manufacturing are involved, from the outset of the planning effort as a totality. It explores a broad range of methods for general product design and considers the significant issues that must be addressed early in the design process. This book examines historical antecedents, information, and data on product design theory and procedures. It considers computer applications in design and manufacturing and explores human factors (ergonomics) in design, and their applications to products and tools. The book discusses physical materials used in the design of quality products, and the methods employed to process these materials. It highlights special applications to graphics design and packaging and surveys the history of the functional, material and visual requirements of product design, and the methods used in industrial, engineering, and crafts design. Also explained are the legal aspects of product design relative to protecting the rights to intellectual property, and the issues of product liability.