9 - Critical analysis and evaluation - How to critically analyse and evaluate

Question 1

What is critical analysis?

Answer 1

• Critical analysis is an in-depth, objective study of elements in a design

Question 2

What is the purpose of evaluation?

Answer 2

To test how effective the product is at satisfying specification criteria

Question 3

Testing and evaluating products in industrial or commercial contexts:

State and give an example of product recall

Answer 3

Careful testing and evaluation are required before a product can go on the market

• Product safety is needed to avoid product recall issues. Product recall can be much more expensive than testing during design
• One example of product recall is lithium-ion batteries in the Boeing 787 aircraft due to being a fire risk
• Manufacturers and third parties test the products. Third parties scrutinise these products for legislation compliance

Question 4

Use of third party feedback:

Informing modification and development

Answer 4

• Unbiased views, products will have a greater chance of success

Question 5

Use of third party feedback:

Quality and safety certification standards available from the BSI (examples)

Answer 5

• BS 8889: manufacture, assembly disassembly, end of life processing
• BS 1363: plugs, sockets etc.
• ASTM F3078: x-ray analysis of paint samples to check for led in toys

Question 6

What marks indicate that the quality and safety certification from the BSI has been achieved?

Answer 6

The BSI ‘kitemark’ and the CE mark