market research

Question 1

Market research

Answer 1

Looking at products that already exist and talking to clients to collect a wide range of information on what is successful and what needs developing to ensure a product is viable. Interviews and questionnaires can be used to gather information on shape, colour, materials and function of existing products and the answers analysed to improve the product.

Question 2

focus groups

Answer 2

Another valuable perspective can be found by talking to the product’s target market. Small groups can be interviewed, giving feedback before, during and after production, which can be used to improve the outcome.

Question 3

product analysis

Answer 3

Looking at products that already exist can help improve further designs by pinpointing issues to improve designs and prototypes.

Question 4

anthropometrics

Answer 4

Collecting maximum and minimum measurements about the target market’s sizes can help improve designs by making the product easier or more comfortable to use. Anthropometric data can be used to work out the dimensions and load stresses of a product.

Question 5

ergonomics

Answer 5

Testing and analysing how a person interacts with the product can improve its functionality and how it fits into its surroundings.

Question 6

existing data

Answer 6

Average anthropometric and ergonomic measurements are available online, as well as government statistics and a huge range of questionnaires and public opinion.

Question 7

media

Answer 7

Books, newspaper articles, reviews and the internet all provide access to the opinions of others.

Question 8

cold calling

Answer 8

potential customers and sometimes the general public will be called and asked to answer several questions about a particular product. This technique is often frowned open because it often causes annoyance to the person answering the telephone.