5A Product analysis

Question 1

What is a toile and what is it used for?

Answer 1

A prototype/development/tester of the final design, typically made using calico (cheaper fabric)

Used to test:
- pattern
- techniques/manufacturing processes
- size/fit/function
- components/features

Question 2

What is a prototype?

Answer 2

A prototype is a model/sample of a design used to trial materials and techniques, as well as test and evaluate the design to see its:
- wearability
- aesthetic appeal
- fit on the human body
- fitness for intended purpose

Prototypes can also be used to sample various versions of a design (e.g. using different fabrics), considering:
- drape/movement
- colour matching
- texture/pattern/scale
- light reflectance
- performance characteristics (e.g. crease resistance)

Question 3

What is the iterative design process?

Answer 3

A cycle of sampling/testing/analysing/refining a design until the final design is created (trialing the design, further research, evaluation)

Question 4

What is UCD (user centred design)?

Answer 4

Developing a new product based on what the consumers need/want (also known as UDD: user driven development)

Question 5

Process (UCD)

Answer 5

• identifying the target market and how/when/under what conditions the target market will use the product
• understanding the requirements for a successful design
• creating design ideas/samples/prototypes
• testing and evaluating design ideas, developments, final design and manufactured product

Question 6

With what methods is UCD/UDD carried out?

Answer 6

• Primary research: questionnaires/interviews/surveys/focus groups/consumer panels
• Secondary research: reports/trend forecasts/publications/magazines
• Market research: qualitative and quantitative data
• Product analysis and evaluation
• Ergonomic/anthropometric data and percentiles
• Design proposal
• Prototypes