People, Culture And Society / Flashcards
Consumer choice
The internet has helped to create a global marketplace where designers and manufacturers can trade goods relatively freely with consumers. This has lead to a huge increase in choice and also means that prices are kept low through wider competition.
Technology push
It drives forward current thinking and creates new and exciting developments.
Market pull
Consumer demand is the driving force behind new products. Analysis of the consumer market, along with an understanding of human needs and desires, enables the ‘gap in the market’ to be filled.
• Market pull also puts pressure on companies to constantly improve their products so that they keep their share of the market through brand loyalty as well as attracting new customers.
Fashion and trends
Different cultures, influences and beliefs combined with a consumer driven economy result in a product design market that is invariably influenced by the ‘latest thing’. It is quite natural for consumers to want to be part of a group and to fit in or buy in to a particular lifestyle.
Faiths and beliefs
A designer has to be responsible for considering the wider implications of a product launch within certain communities.
Design for the disabled and elderly
Countries are striving to become more inclusive and to cater for the disabled and elderly. New and emerging technologies have allowed designers and manufacturers to create products and designs ranging from simple tools and household gadgets, to transportation methods and access to buildings, that dramatically improve the lives of many.
Different religious groups
A further issue for designers o consider is designing products that will not offend or have a negative impact on different religious groups. Communicating honestly and openly with members of religious groups during the design and development stage of a product will help to reduce any potential tricky issues.
