School Product Design Factors Flashcards
Time
The date by which a product must be finished.
Cost
The budget limit of a product, which will have to cover all materials, finishes, components, parts, plans, patterns and any other extras.
Function
The intended purpose of the final product. A product has a primary function that is support by secondary functions or features of the design.
Performance
What the product is expected to do; related to its function.
Ergonomics
Relates to how the product interacts with the human body.
Materials
What the product is made of. The use of these can be restricted by cost, availability, suitability, client choice or workshop facilities. They can be specified for their characteristics and properties.
Size
Important for the functionality and suitability of the end product.
Product Quality
Involves the product’s operating conditions and for how long it is expected to perform its function. It includes the strength requirements of the product and how they will be met.
Production
The process of making the actual product. In this stage, your client may request some specific processes.
Finishes
When specifying a suitable finish, the product’s intended use must be considered so that the most suitable and enduring finish is applied.
Safety
A vital aspect of any design that is extremely important if the product is required to meet government safety standards. Particular attention is paid to items intended for use by children. Certain age groups have specific behaviours linked closely to their developmental stage.
Environmental Issues
The overall impact of the product on our environment. Consider the source and processing of the material, the production processes, the impact of the use of the product, and its disposal.
Storage, Transportation and Installation
For a large product, consideration of the availability of storage space and how it is to be transported when it is finished is required.
Aesthetics and Appearance
The client might stipulate a particular style, with specific colours, shapes, textures, proportions or surfaces that appeal visually to them. You as a designer might stipulate the aesthetic aspects you think will appeal to an end user.
