Product Design Factors

Question 1

Can you list the nine (9) Product Design Factors?

Answer 1

1. Purpose, function and context
2. Human–centred design (human needs and wants)
3. Innovation and creativity
4. Visual, tactile and aesthetic (design principles and elements)
5. Sustainability (social, economic, and environmental systems perspective)
6. Economics – time and cost
7. Legal responsibilities
8. Materials – characteristics and properties
9. Technologies – tools, processes, and manufacturing methods

Question 2

What are the key elements of purpose, function and context?

Answer 2

• What is the purpose or function of the product to be designed?
• What is the reason for its development?
• Who needs it?
• Where and when will it be used?

Question 3

What does human–centred design (human needs and wants) encompass?

Answer 3

• How will the product improve the well-being and quality of life?
• How safe is the product?
• How old is the user?
• Any ergonomic aspects to include?

Question 4

How could you include innovation and creativity in a new product?

Answer 4

• Can (any) existing similar products be further improved in terms of quality materials and technology?
• How could existing inventions be shown in the end product?
• Does your client expect something innovative …?

Question 5

What do you know about visual, tactile and aesthetic (design principles and elements)?

Answer 5

• What style or appearance is expected?

* What should it look like, feel, how should it be used?

Question 6

Can you explain key aspects of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social systems perspective)?

Answer 6

• What impact would the manufacturing of this product have on the environment?
• Does the client want a product that can be re-used or recycled?

Question 7

What about the economics – time and cost?

Answer 7

• When does it need to be finished by?
• What is the budget? It could be that the budget may not be purely monetary but could refer to a limited supply (or ration) of materials etc.

Question 8

Legal responsibilities?

Answer 8

The legal aspects of product design are: intellectual property (IP) particularly Patents and Design Registration; Australian and International (ISO) standards, regulations and legislation (including OH&S). Products must be produced safely and be safe for the user.

• Does the product have an Australian Standard?
• Does the product have an International Standard?

Question 9

Materials – characteristics and properties?

Answer 9

• What properties are needed?

* Do they have to co-ordinate with other materials?

Question 10

Technologies – tools, processes, and manufacturing methods?

Answer 10

What processes or manufacturing methods are required for the situation?