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As a design begins to take shape, functionally if not structurally, it begins to acquire attributes, or characteristics that make the design unique. Sometimes, by reasoning about the attributes, one can make headway towards a complete design. Each attribute of a design usually implies certain properties or behaviors of the product. Think about the properties that the attributes imply, and try to find ways to use those properties to improve the design.
Certain properties of objects are obvious targets for this kind of reasoning. Some of these include:
Shape
If something is square or flat, can it be used as a base for something else? If it’s round, can it be rotated for some useful purpose?
Weight
Is something heavy? Can this be used to stabilize the product? How should the weight be distributed to achieve this?
Density
Low density materials make things light. What are the advantages of very light (or very heavy) things?
Surface finish
Roughly finished things tend to have high coefficients of friction. Is that useful?
Conduction
Is electric conduction an advantage or a disadvantage? Can something that is conductive be used safely as a ground?
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