-product/service design-

Question 1

What is product design?

Answer 1

The process of creating a product to be sold taking into consideration its function, aesthetics and cost (the design mix).

Question 2

What is function?

Answer 2

The way a product works, e.g does it do what it needs to do and is it reliable?

• more predictable and stable demand.
• longer product life cycles
• lower promotional costs
• build reputation for quality based on reliability
• economic manufacture through economies of scale

Question 3

What are the aesthetics?

Answer 3

How the product appeals to a customer in terms of its appearance.
Based on the subjective judgement of the customer.
Popular way to differentiate a product.
- high added value
- demand fuelled by customer aspiration
- potentially shorter product life cycle
- attracts imitation, need for design protection
- need for greater promotional support

Question 4

What is cost?

Answer 4

If the design allows the product to be made and sold profitably.
How much value is added during the production process.

Question 5

How is the design mix adapting to reflect social change?

Answer 5

Sustainability
Ethical supply chains
Waste minimisation