1.3.1 Product/Service Design

Question 1

What are different parts of the design

Answer 1

• Function
• Cost
• Aesthetics

Question 2

What are different designs for a product

Answer 2

• Design for waste minimisation
• Design for re-use
• Design for recycling

Question 3

Benefits of adapting product designs to changes in social trends

Answer 3

• If businesses can reduce waste they will use fewer resources. This will result in lower costs and higher profits
• If designs reflect social trends products are likely to be more popular and sell in larger quantities. This will raise revenue and improve profits.

Question 4

Consumer durables

Answer 4

Goods that can be used used repeatedly over a period of time, such as cars and household appliances.

Question 5

Design mix

Answer 5

The range of features that are important when designing a product.

Question 6

Ergonomics

Answer 6

The study of how people interact with their environment and the equipment they use - often in the workplace.

Question 7

Ethical sourcing

Answer 7

Using materials , components and services from suppliers that respect the environment , treat their workforce well and generally trade with integrity.

Question 8

Product design

Answer 8

The process of creating a new product or service

Question 9

Recycling

Answer 9

Making use of materials that have been discarded as waste.

Question 10

Resource depletion

Answer 10

The using up of natural resources

Question 11

Waste minimisation

Answer 11

Reducing the quantity of resources that are discarded in the production process.

Question 12

What is aesthetics?

Answer 12

• Aesthetics can mean how the senses respond to the product e.g. the smell of a scented candle
• More stylish and beautiful products tend to sell better and can charge a premium price
• Aesthetics can even be the emotional attachment that the customer has with the product

Question 13

What is function?

Answer 13

• Will the product or service be fit for purpose?
• What does the product do? In a Dyson vacuum cleaner, it is designed to clean without needing a bag inside which lost suction when it got full
• How well does it perform? In a car this may be its mpg (miles per gallon, the higher the number the less petrol it will need) or its top speed

Question 14

What is cost?

Answer 14

• Questions the design team might ask the production department during the design phase
• What is the minimum cost that we can make this product for whilst retaining quality?
• Can it be made efficiently?
• Can it be produced for a lower cost
than the competitors?

• A lower cost of production will mean competitive advantage for the business – they can pass on lower prices to customers, making the product more appealing

Question 15

What is a bespoke design?

Answer 15

• Bespoke design means; custom made, custom built, tailor made to the consumer
• This could be a product such as a customised car or a wedding cake
• This could be a service such as a customised wedding

Question 16

What is a standard design ?

Answer 16

Standard design are products or services that are sold as standard, the customer cannot add any extra features or benefits

Question 17

What is efficiencies?

Answer 17

Efficiencies in production can be achieved by changing the types of materials used or by updating the technology used in production