8 - Viability of Design Solutions Flashcards
Define human interface.
The parts of a product that the user comes into physical contact with the user, or provides feedback (e.g. image/sound).
What is inclusive design?
Design that considers how easily a product can be used by everyone without special adaptation.
Give some examples of market research to assess viability.
-Discussion/testing with user groups.
-Small-scale roll outs.
What needs to be considered when designing a human interface?
-If it can be easily understood.
-Possible mistakes when interacting with it.
-Places where users might get stuck using it.
How can designers avoid design fixation?
Considering feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.
What method(s) can be used to quickly gain feedback on a product?
Rapid prototyping/sketch modelling.
What is multi-disciplinary working?
Using web based software for designers to share and discuss concepts.
What needs to be done in the final stages of a design?
-Final testing with stakeholders.
-Approval & launch.
-Planning for future developments.
-On-going evaluation to identify improvements.
What needs to be considered when getting a product to market?
-Cost
-Appeal to customers
-Packaging
What 6 factors influence the cost of a product?
-Cost of materials
-Cost of production
-Cost of transportation
-Cost of design/development
-Cost of marketing/branding
-Cost of other similar products
What could influence a product’s appeal to consumers?
-Brand loyalty
-Aesthetic appeal
-Fashion trends
-Function
What needs to be considered when designing a product’s packaging?
-Material costs
-Appeal to consumer
-Protection for the product
-Environmental impact
-Additional factors (e.g. water resistance)
How can a company obtain a BSI kitemark for their product?
Show it has considered quality assurance practices including:
-Manufacturing systems
-Tests
-Procedures dealing with identified failings
What is the ISO?
The International Organisation for Standardisation, an organisation similar to the BSI.
Why is it important to assess the accuracy of manufacture?
-Ensure parts are uniform
-Ensure parts fit together
-Ensure parts perform properly
Why are destructive tests used?
To assess how easily a material/part will break, and if it will break while the product is in use.
What checks can be used to assess the accuracy of parts?
-Visual checks
-Accuracy of dimension checks
-Weight checks
-Quality of finish checks
What tests might be used to assess the physical performance of a product?
-Flammability tests
-Durability analysis
-Circuitry tests
-Stress tests
What is a tensometer test?
(destructive tensile test) A material is placed under tension to see its performance in terms of force/extension.
What is a Vickers pyramid hardness test?
(destructive hardness test) A diamond tip is pressed against the material and the indent is measured.
What is an Izod impact test?
(destructive toughness test) A pendulum breaks the material during its swing and the energy taken to do so is measured.
What is a Brinell hardness test?
(destructive hardness test) A hardened steel ball is forced onto the material’s surface, and the diameter of the indent is measured.
Describe an x-ray/ultrasonic test.
(non-destructive) X-rays/ultrasound waves are passed through a material, image produced can be used to identify defects e.g. tiny cracks.
Describe consumer testing.
Consumers are given products to test and questionnaires to assess whether the product matches their needs/expectations.
