Design Key Words

Question 1

What does MATERIALS mean?

Answer 1

The materials that are used to make the product. What properties do these materials have? Are these advantages or disadvantages?

Question 2

What words can be used to describe MATERIALS?

Answer 2

Precious/expensive, recycled, animal kingdom, harmful to environment(?), durable

Question 3

What does AESTHETICS mean?

Answer 3

The appreciation of beauty, deciding what looks best. What does it look like? Is it attractive? Aesthetics are affected by - Materials, Form, Construction, Colour, Who it’s aimed at, the designers sources of inspiration / influences.

Question 4

What does FORM mean?

Answer 4

Form describes the 3D shape of an object. Form is the shape, visual appearance, or configuration (arrangement of shape, lines) of an object. How would you describe the Form? Complex, Streamlined, Simple, Multi - textured, Geometric etc

Question 5

What does FUNCTION mean?

Answer 5

What a product is designed to do, its purpose. Is the item “fit for purpose?” What is its purpose? How well does it meet its PRIMARY function? What are its SECONDARY functions? How well does it meet those? Function is affected by : Materials used, Ergonomics, Construction methods, Practicality, Durability.

Question 6

What does TARGET MARKET mean?

Answer 6

The people that will use the product: the consumer. Who is expected to buy this product? Why would they want it? What are their demands / needs/ expectations / aspirations? The target market are often referred to as : Society, Consumers, Client, Clientele , Customers

Question 7

What does ERGONOMICS mean?

Answer 7

How the products relate to people, e.g. A chair and table. Does the product / garment maximize users productivity by reducing the operators fatigue and discomfort?

Question 8

What does COST mean?

Answer 8

How much a product costs to make or to buy. Cost is affected by production methods, Materials used / Designer name – brand, Marketing.

Question 9

What does HEALTH AND SAFETY mean?

Answer 9

Ensuring that products are as safe as possible. Takes into account the target markets age and experience.

Question 10

What words can be used to describe FORM?

Answer 10

3D, smooth, complex and textured

Question 11

What words can be used to describe TARGET MARKET?

Answer 11

Children, youth, 20’s/30’s, middle age, elderly, business

Question 12

What words can be used to describe COST?

Answer 12

Cheap, mid price, expensive - hand made, mass produced

Question 13

What words can be used to describe HEALTH AND SAFETY?

Answer 13

Safe, handle/use/wear with caution, prone to faults/danger