Theme 1 - 1.3.1 - Product Service Design Flashcards
What is product/service design ?
The combination of factors needed in designing a product
Or Aesthetics, function, economic manufacture (cost)
Why is aesthetics important ?
More stylish and beautiful products tend to sell more and charge a more premium price.
The aesthetics of a product can form an emotional attachment with the product and the user
Why is function important when designing a product ? What might a company ask about the function of the product during the design ?
Because the user wants a product that suits its function very well.
- Will the product or service be fit for purpose?
- What does the product do? In a Dyson vacuum cleaner, it is designed to clean without needing a bag inside which lost suction when it got full
- How well does it perform? In a car this may be its mpg (miles per gallon, the higher the number the less petrol it will need) or its top speed
Why is cost (economic manufacture) important when designing a product ?
What questions might the design team ask the production department during the design phase ?
A lower cost of production will mean competitive advantage for the business – they can pass on lower prices to customers, making the product more appealing
• What is the minimum cost that we can make this product for whilst retaining quality?
• Can it be made efficiently?
• Can it be produced for a lower cost than the competitors?
How do changes in the elements of the design mix reflect social trends ?
When there was a concern over resource depletion - people started designing for waste minimisation, reuse and recycling
What does bespoke design mean ?
• Bespoke design means; custom made, custom built, tailor made to the consumer
• This could be a product such as a customised car or a wedding cake
• This could be a service such as a customised wedding
What is standard design ?
• Standard design are products or services that are sold as standard, the customer cannot add any extra features or benefits
Basically the opposite of bespoke design
How can Efficiencies in production be achieved ?
Efficiencies in production can be achieved by changing the types of materials used or by updating the technology used in production
How come designers have a major influence on the type and amount of waste ( design for waste minimisation ) ?
• While waste is actually created by contractors on site, the decisions made by designers have a major influence on the type and amount of waste
• Deciding what and how to build, whether to demolish or renovate, what materials to use and the design specifications for construction all impact on the waste created during a project and these choices are made by the designers
What are re-useable products ?
Some products are made to be re-used, this gives consumers good value for money as they can use the product more than once
Why is making a product recyclable good for the business ?
Some products are made using recycled materials, this appeals to the green consumer and is good for the environment
What does ethical sourcing mean ?
Ethical sourcing also means ‘ensuring that the products being sourced are created in safe facilities by workers who are treated well and paid fair wages to work legal hours’, and it also implies ‘that the supplier is respecting the environment during the production and manufacture of the products.’
