Final answer:
An AV designer can reduce costs by using mathematical models to estimate and normalize costs, brainstorming a variety of design possibilities, and evaluating these against project constraints and criteria. Selecting affordable materials and simplifying the design helps to minimize costs without compromising on quality.
Step-by-step explanation:
An AV (Audiovisual) designer looking to perform value engineering might reduce costs in several ways. Initially, the designer could use mathematical models to estimate costs for different design approaches, evaluating options by normalizing costs to a standard measure like cost per thousand gallons of water. Exploring possibilities further, the designer weighs the advantages and disadvantages of potential designs against the project constraints and criteria, such as the budget for product development and drawings for the product design.
During the brainstorming phase, a wide variety of innovative ideas and possible solutions are considered. Viable options are refined into detailed designs and prototypes, which are then evaluated to ensure they meet the necessary requirements and operate within project constraints. For instance, selecting a solar still for desalination may emerge as the best choice after an evaluation. Cost and benefit analysis tools, including charts and tables, can help in making decisions. This whole process requires balancing several factors, including the selection of affordable materials and the simplification of the design to reduce manufacturing and operation costs.
Lastly, to avoid cost overruns or design failures, it's crucial to make well-considered decisions early in the design process, as poor early decisions can result in a design that does not meet the customers' needs or requires expensive modifications later on.