1.3.1 Product/service design

Question 1

How does the marketing mix help businesses?

Answer 1

It provides a framework for businesses to create and implement successful market strategies.
By understanding and manipulating the marketing mix, businesses can differentiate themselves from competitors.

Question 2

What are the 4Ps?

Answer 2

• Product
• Price
• Place
• Promotion

Question 3

What is the design mix?

Answer 3

The combination of elements that make up a product’s design.

Question 4

What are the elements of the design mix?

Answer 4

• Function
• Aesthetics
• Cost

Question 5

What is the function aspect of the design mix?

Answer 5

It refers to its intended purpose and the specific tasks it is designed to perform.
It is the most important aspect of its design because it determines how well the product will meet the needs of its intended users.

Question 6

What is the aesthetics aspect of the design mix?

Answer 6

It refers to the product’s visual and sensory appeal, including its form, shape, colour, and texture.
It plays an important role in attracting customers, creating brand loyalty, and generating word of mouth recommendations.

Question 7

What is the cost aspect of the design mix?

Answer 7

It refers to the cost of production, which directly affects the price point at which a product can be sold.
A well-designed product should balance cost and value, ensuring that customers perceive the product as valuable enough to buy, whilst still maintaining profitability for the manufacturer.

Question 8

What are social trends?

Answer 8

They refer to changes in attitudes, behaviours and lifestyles of people.

Question 9

How can changes in social trends impact the product design mix?

Answer 9

• Concerns about resource depletion
• Concerns about ethical sourcing

Question 10

How do concerns about resource depletion impact the product design mix?

Answer 10

• Customers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to conserve natural resources and reduce waste.
• The product design mix may need to change to reflect waste minimisation, re-use, and recycling.
• For example, companies may choose to design products that use fewer materials, are more durable, and can easily be disassembled for recycling or repair.

Question 11

How do concerns about ethical sourcing impact the product design mix?

Answer 11

• Ethical sourcing means that products are produced without exploitation of workers or environmental damage.
• Companies may have to change their design mix to incorporate sustainable materials and production processes.