List of needs

Mechanistic studies are particularly needed for the hydrolysis and polymerization reactions that occur in sol-gel processing. Currently, little is known about these reactions, even in simple systems. A short list of needs includes such rudimentary data as the kinetics of hydrolysis and polymerization of single alkoxide sol-gel systems and identification of the species present at various stages of gel polymerization. A study of the kinetics of hydrolysis and polymerization of double alkoxide sol-gel systems might lead to the production of more homogeneous ceramics by sol-gel routes. Another major area for exploration is the chemistry of sol-gel systems that might lead to nonoxide ceramics. 

Usually the team will do this, although it would again be better, but cost more time and expense, to have it done by customers. The step ends with the grouped and ranked list of needs (Figure 5-8). Shown is part of the much larger list that is given separately in Appendix... 

Start with the ranked list of needs such as those obtained after the previous lesson (Figure 6-2 see also Appendix 6-1). We have given this as a mind map to keep it short. Note that all the regulations have a rank 5 (essential) you must obey these. Some needs in the map are a bit cryptic because we had to keep them short. Tartar is a calcified deposit on your teeth caries is the dental name for holes or cavities. Simulates water is short for bmshing with paste simulates drinking water with a suitable fluoride content . 

Figure 6-3 shows a method for setting specihcations. The list of needs gives a first list of specifications. Quantify the specifications with metrics more about these in a moment. Then benchmark compare your ideas with the competition. Finally discuss what the ideal values would be for the metrics, and which would be just acceptable use these values to set the list of specifications. 

After the interview, interpret, tidy up, order and rank the needs. You may find it handy to use mind maps for this exercise. You can instead use tables in Word if you find them easier. The team will need a single ranked list of needs in the next set of lessons. 

A tidied up, grouped and ranked list of needs Lists of metrics and specifications (updated)... 

Interview Customers Construct Needs j Tidy Up, Group, Rank Needs List of Needs ... 

One set of implications for design comes from the ways in which Wikipedia editors have reinvented wiki technology. Wikis are remarkably flexible, and so the community can use the same interface that supports articles to create, without reprogramming, de facto discussion boards (as in Talk pages) and bug databases (as in lists of needed work). Examining the conventions the community has created may provide design ideas for other systems where such features would need to be programmed. 

---