1.3.1 Product and Service Design

Question 1

Design mix

Answer 1

These design factors function, cost and aesthetics are mixed together in different ways in order to appeal to different target markets.

Question 2

Social trends

Answer 2

Refers to the way society as a whole behaves and the values that determine that behaviour.

Question 3

How the design mix is changing to reflect social trends?

Answer 3

1. Concern over resource depletion:
   - Waste minimisation.
   - Recycling and reusing.
2. Ethical sourcing.

Question 4

Resource depletion

Answer 4

Sustainability = Making a product without affecting the long term supplies of the inputs into the product.

Non renewable materials become scarcer and costs increase. Designing the product so that it can be used sustainably e.g. switching from scarce metals to plastics.

Question 5

Waste minimisation

Answer 5

Aims to eliminate waste before it’s produced and reduce its quantity and toxicity.

Prevention is the primary goal followed by reuse, recycling, treatment and appropriate disposal.

Question 6

Recycling and reusing

Answer 6

Instead of dumping.

Question 7

Ethical sourcing

Answer 7

Not wasting resources or damaging lives of employees.

Question 8

Benefits of operating sustainably

Answer 8

+ USP and attract customers.
+ Charge higher prices.
+ Good for the environment.
+ Positive public relations – added value.

Question 9

Drawbacks of operating sustainably.

Answer 9

• Aesthetics can differ.
• Increase costs.
• Might not see any financial benefit.
• Can be seen as being false or communicated only for marketing.