Product/service design 1.3.1

Question 1

What is the design mix?

Answer 1

The combination of elements that make up a product’s design - function, aesthetics and cost.

Question 2

Aesthetics

Answer 2

• appearance of the product (including packaging) - quality, shape, colour, texture etc
• play an important role in attracting customers so must fit the segment it is targeting

Question 3

Function

Answer 3

• its intended purpose and specific tasks it is designed to perform - does it work well?
• extra features?

Question 4

Cost

Answer 4

• the cost of production directly affects the price point of the product
• how viable it is to produce and is profit made

Question 5

Changes to the design mix to reflect social trends

Answer 5

• Concerns about resource depletion - design mix may change to reflect waste minimisation, re-use and recycling e.g. fewer materials, more durable, easily recyclable or repaired
• Ethical sourcing - produced without exploitation of workers or environmental damage
  These changes could result in higher prices but not all consumers will be willing to pay so changes need to be carefully considered