Scenarios in the design process

Area of Science:

• Safety Science
• Engineering Design
• Human Factors

Background:

• Integrating safety early in the design process is crucial for preventing accidents.
• Traditional safety methods may not adequately address complex interactions in product design.
• The Safety Science Group at Delft University of Technology identified a need for structured safety input.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel method for structuring safety input during the design process.
• To demonstrate the application of use-scenarios and hazard patterns in design.
• To explore the role of safety experts in dynamic design decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Development and application of use-scenarios and hazard patterns derived from safety problem analyses.
• Utilizing a matrix scheme to link technical design options with social and organizational measures.
• Case studies involving agricultural equipment (pneumatic pruning shears, power chain saws, power-take-off shafts).

Main Results:

• Use-scenarios and hazard patterns provide structure to the problem space and aid accident explanation.
• The matrix scheme facilitates the selection of coherent safety solutions.
• The method proves helpful in predicting residual risks during design evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a promising approach for incorporating safety into the design of tools and consumer products.
• Challenges remain, including scarcity of valid accident data and underdeveloped translation of safety requirements into design specifications.
• Further development and implementation are needed, with initial projects progressing to the implementation stage.