section one Flashcards
describe how computers are used in the manufacture of products and their impact on the manufacturing industry.
6 marks
typical answers will include:
Use of CAD - direct input into manufacture, efficient communication, reduced lead time.
Computer simulation - improved testing, less risk of failure
Rapid prototyping - freedom to generate complex forms, tailored products, creation of jigs, improved testing
Rapid manufacture - small production runs of one-offs, flexible production, reduced or no assembly required
CNC machining - flexible production, accuracy, efficient mold manufacture, small production runs
Computer integrated manufacture - flow production, mass manufacture
Automation - standardization, flow production, efficient, flexible
Stock control - efficient, JIT
Quality control - total quality management
Improved communication - subcontracting manufacture or production.
Explain why marketing has become an essential activity when developing products in a global market
4 marks
Increased competition Risk of failure Investment Brand identity Sales volume Products are very similar Lack of choice Larger Market Larger customer base
Explain why ergonomics has been so influential to the evolution of products. You must refer to specific products in your answer
6 marks
Typical answers are likely to include
Mass manufacture of products Products have to be more inclusive used by 95% of the population Change from one off design to mass productions Need for greater sales Marketing opportunity Improved performance More complex products Standardization of products Global markets Increased awareness Competition Marketing Consumer expectation Safety Legislation Health
Explain why changes in fashion can create opportunities for companies and how this influences the products they produce
4 marks
Typical answers are likely to include Testing prototypes Test rigs User trips User trials Use of outside agencies Focus groups
Describe the ways in which concern for the environment has influenced the
evolution of products. You must refer to specific products in your answer.
10 marks
- reduce, reuse, recycle
- changes to materials
- limiting the types of material used
- use of bioplastics
- less design obsolescence
- greater efficiency
- changes to manufacturing processes
- design for disposal
- labelling of materials
- local production
- less pollution
- less redundancy
- longer life expectancy
- sustainability
Describe how the introduction of a new material or materials has influenced the
evolution of a product with which you are familiar.
4 marks
- changes to aesthetics
- improvements to ergonomics
- improved safety
- increased durability
- increased production runs
- affordability
- availability
- popularity
- changes to quality
- obsolescence
- impact on the environment
- improved function
Identify three notable turning points in the evolution of a product with which
you are familiar, and explain what contributed to them.
6 marks
- changes in society
- economics
- global events
- advances in technology
- development in materials
Explain why products sometimes fail in the market place following evolutionary
changes. You must refer to specific products in your answer.
4 marks
poor market research • changes too radical • high initial costs • product superseded by competition • advances in technology • changes in consumer demand • changes in fashion/trends
Describe the influence that mass production systems have had on the evolution
of products.
6 marks
standardisation • similarity • lack of personalisation • availability • popularity • affordability • environmental impact • use of materials • aesthetics • assembly • volume of production • accuracy • quality
Identify a designer from a period of your choice and explain how they have
influenced the design of products.
You should make reference to the following when answering the question:
• Your chosen designer’s motivation, design ideals and philosophy.
• Products, projects or work that exemplifies your designer’s contribution
to design.
• The key features that identify your designer’s products or style.
• How your chosen designer’s work was influenced by external factors.
• The impact of your designer’s work on consumers’ lifestyles and the work
of other designers.
10 marks
likely to include:
Their chosen designer’s motivation, design ideals and
philosophy
Products, projects or work that exemplify their
designer’s contribution to design
The key features that identify their designer’s
products or style
How the designer’s work was influenced by external
factors
The impact of the designer’s work on consumers’
lifestyles and the work of other designers
Describe the ways in which advances in materials technology have influenced
the evolution of products. You must refer to specific products in your answer.
6 marks
Answers are likely to include references to changes which have influenced: aesthetics economics manufacturing assembly performance environmental impact availability lifespan
Describe how external factors have influenced the “look” of products.
You must refer to specific products in your answer
4 marks
Answers are likely to include references to:
advertising and media
introduction of materials, manufacturing and
technologies
fashion — youth market
attitudes towards body image and confidence
attitudes for change and variety/disposable
income/throwaway society — no need for built-in
obsolescence
world events
lifestyles
Explain, using examples, how mass consumerism has influenced the
design and manufacture of products.
4 marks
Answers are likely to include references to:
mass production, assembly lines, automation
reduction in skilled workforce
desire for new products
use of more man-made materials in design and
manufacture
cheaper options — no need for built-in obsolescence
changing trends and fashions encouraged design
changes in products
designing of products that didn’t have a long
lifespan/were not expected to last
power of TV advertising — capturing the youth market
advertising and packaging
Explain why society’s attitude to “throwing away” products is changing.
3 marks
Answers are likely to include references to: acknowledging pressure on resources changing social attitudes raised environmental awareness increased media publicity/reporting of the issue issues of landfill capacity national and international legislation Kyoto Protocol agreement
Describe steps that can be taken to reduce the impact of a specific
product on the environment, in terms of its design and/or manufacture.
3 marks
Answers are likely to include references to:
reduction in packaging
reduction in parts/number of materials used for
ease of recycling
manufactured from recycled materials
changes in materials for better recycling options
addition of recycling logos
reduction in emissions/chemicals during
manufacture and retailing
energy ratings
