1. Revision notes Higher and Intermediate 2 Product design
Safety and the environment
You will be asked to consider safety aspects in the following contexts:
Safety and the consumer
Safety and the manufacturer
Safety and the environment
In answer to any question always refer to the product in the question and give
clear examples.
Safety and the consumer
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Answers should include: the weight of the product, warning labels, advice on
carrying and storing.
Moving parts, which may trap or injure the user, abrasive surfaces and good
surface finishes.
Choice of materials, which will not poison or contaminate.
Good electrical insulation, which meets current European safety standards. Quality
control during and after production.
Safety and the manufacturer
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Answer should include: Staff training, use of appropriate machinery, safety
inspections by government agencies.
Responsibility for the safe storage and disposal of materials, consideration to be
given to air, water and soil pollution.
Consideration given to the energy used in the manufacture of products.
Safety and the environment (social responsibility)
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Responsibility for the safe storage and disposal of materials, consideration to be
given to air, water and soil pollution.
Consideration given to the energy used in the manufacture of products.
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2. Manufacturing systems (methods of manufacture)
Manufacturing systems refers mainly to the volume of products manufactured.
The choice of manufacturing systems are as follows:
Mass production
Batch production
One offs
JIT (Just in time)
Ghent chart
Mass production
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Many thousands of copies of a product are made. Mass production suggests that
there is a large, probably international market, for this product.
It might be the case that the product is sold at low cost, Biro pens for example.
Tooling and machine setting might be initially very expensive, but costs are
recuperated by wide distribution and mass marketing.
Mass production systems are usually automated and use the minimum of labour.
Automated systems are more reliable and cost effective than using manual labour.
Mass production systems will probably use CAD / CAM systems.
Batch production
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Lesser quantities of a product are made, usually in hundreds. For example garden
furniture.
The availability and distribution of products might be limited to particular stores
and seasons.
The method of manufacture might be semi automated, using Jigs and fixtures to
assist the craftsman manufacture the product.
It is likely that the products will be hand finished. This attention to detail will be
reflected in the cost to the consumer.
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3. Manufacturing systems (methods of manufacture)
One offs
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A limited number of high quality products are made to order. The product might
be unique, for example a reception desk in the new Scottish parliament.
The demand for high quality will be expensive to the customer. The product will
undoubtedly be made by a skilled craftsperson using the minimum of automation.
It might be very difficult to replace or maintain such a unique product.
JIT
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To reduce the cost of storage the Japanese have a developed a system which
delivers materials, Just in time (JIT). If materials are delivered to the factory just
in time for manufacture then taken away at the point of production, then labour
and storage costs can be reduced. This economic efficiency can be passed onto
the customer, in low cost products.
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4. Ghent chart
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Planning for success is essential for any manufacturer. How the product will be
made is worked out in advance of beginning production. Often this is done on a
Ghent chart. A Ghent chart plans out what must be done against the time taken
to do it.
Look at this example:
Process Job Time
A Varnish the box 1 hour
B Sand the box 2 hours
C Make the box 3 hours
D Get supply of timber 4 hours
E Make lid 2 hours
F Varnish lid 1 hour
Below shows how all of these stages can be illustrated and put into a logical
order.
Ghent Chart
A
B
C
D
E
F
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Number of working hours
Information found from the chart:
1. Total time taken = 12 hours.
2. Time saved if lid started when box was varnished = 1 hour.
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5. Production methods
Production methods, directly refers to the machining and manual production of
products. Depending on which Manufacturing system (method of manufacture) is
required will determine the choice of Production methods.
Extrusion
Injection moulding
Compression moulding
Vacuum forming
Blow moulding
Metal Casting
Piercing and Blanking
Press forming metal
Welding
Steam bending wood
CAD / CAM
Extrusion: Plastic
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For making continuous lengths,
for example curtain rails.
Materials: thermoplastics, polypropene (pp).
Suitable for mass production of products.
1. Plastic granules are fed into the machine through a hopper.
2. The plastic is heated and forced through a die.
3. A long continuous length is produced and is trimmed to size.
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6. Extrusion: Metal
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For making continuous lengths,
for example domestic water or gas pipes. Ideally suited to mass production.
Materials: Copper, Aluminium alloys.
Remarks: Uniform thickness, uniform section, light weight, easily bent.
1. A billet (A block of metal) is put into a ramming machine. The heated billet
of either copper or aluminium is forced under pressure and heat, through a
die to form the continuous length.
2. Reverse ramming will produce a hollow extrusion.
Hollow tube
Billet
Ram
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7. Injection moulding: Thermoplastics
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Ideally suited to the mass production of plastic buckets, bins and storage boxes.
Thermoplastic granules are fed into a hopper and are forced under pressure and
heat, into a mould. The plastic is injected into the mould and the product is
quickly made. The mould is opened, the product removed and the process starts
again.
Materials: Polypropene (pp), Polythene (HDPE)
Remarks: Injection marks, push pin marks, Ribs.
Compression moulding
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A similar process to injection moulding, though this time a slug (block) of a
thermosetting plastic is used.
This process is used to make light switch covers and similar products that need
thermosetting plastics.
Materials: Urea formaldehyde.
Remarks: Smooth high quality surfaces, intricate detailing, flash edges.
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8. Vacuum forming: Thermoplastics
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A thin layer of a thermoplastic is heated, becomes flexible (plastic) and is drawn
down into a pattern (mould) under vacuum pressure.
This is a very quick, economical and reliable process. Used to form food
packaging, inserts for drawers and vehicle parts. Ideally suited to mass
production.
Material: Styrene, acrylic sheet.
Remarks: Rounded corners, tapered edges, smooth surfaces, good surface detail.
Blow moulding: Thermoplastics
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As the title suggests air is blown into a hollow tube of plastic. The plastic tube is
nipped closed at one end and as the air pressure is increased the hot plastic tube
known as the Parison, then forms to the shape of the mould.
This is a very quick, economical and reliable process, typically used to form plastic
bottles.
Materials: Polypropene (pp), styrene.
Remarks: Uniform thickness, Mould separation lines, flash lines and clamping
point.
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9. Metal casting
Sand casting: One offs or batch production
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Where complex heavy shapes in metal have to be formed and it is not practical to
cut out the form from a solid, then casting is used. A source metal, Aluminium
alloy for example is heated and melted into liquid form. The hot metal is poured
into a sand filled flask. The sand contains the impression of the project to be
made and it is this impression that is filled with the hot metal. When cooled the
shape is broken out of the sand and finished by hand.
Sand casting is not suitable for mass production.
Materials: Aluminium alloy, Brass, Lead.
Remark: Fillets, ribs, Flash, Runner riser (sprue pins), flask, Due to poor surface
finish needs machine finishing.
Die casting: Mass production
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Where many copies need to be produced a die or solid moulding box is used to
form the casting. In this case the molten metal is pushed into the mould with a
plunger. When cooled the dies are opened and the casting removed.
Advantages: This process can be repeated as soon as the casting has cooled and
is ideally suited to mass production.
Remarks: Flash, injection point, ribs, good quality surface finish, good detailing.
Bike brake levers
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10. Piercing and blanking: Sheet metalwork
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2D shapes can be sheared out of a metal sheet using a high pressure ram.
When a simple profile is cut out it is referred to as Blanking.
Where a hole or space needs to be made in the blank a secondary but similar
process is used. This process is known as Piercing.
Both piercing and blanking can be automated
to speed up the process of mass manufacture.
Remarks: These process’ are quick, leave little waste
and little finishing.
Press forming metal
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A similar metal process to piercing and blanking, though on this occasion the
sheet metal is bent into a 3D form. Once again a ram is used to press the sheet
metal into a hollow former.
Materials: Steel, Aluminium alloy, copper, brass.
Remarks: These process’ are quick, leave little waste and little finishing. Ideally
suited to mass production. Though many of these mass production process’ will
be expensive to initially set up, the cost can be recovered through wide
distribution of sales.
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11. Welding
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This is a permanent form of joining metal. Extreme heat is used in a small
localised area to melt the surface of the metals being joined. A filling rod is used
to flood the gap with molten metal and when cooled, will form a permanent bond.
Welding is a specialist skill if done manually, however automated systems can be
set up to produce long welds or welds in awkward areas.
Steam bending
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It is possible to bend wood to form a curve. The selection of a suitable timber is
first, not all woods are suitable. Ideally, birch, ash, oak and beech can be chosen.
The wood is soaked with hot steam, to encourage it to be more flexible. While in
this condition the wood is bent in a former (jig). It maybe held in this bent
position or glued into shape.
Steam bending demands a craftsman and this is often reflected in the high cost of
the product. Steam bending is not an ideal process for mass production, due to
the high use of labour. However, it is possible to semi-automate steam bending to
batch produce furniture.
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12. Lamination
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Steam bending thick solid timber is almost impossible. To achieve a bend thin
layers are bent and glued together. This is known as lamination.
A simple example of a laminated wood would be plywood. Consisting of veneers
(thin layers of wood) glued together.
Spindle moulding
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To cut decorative mouldings on a large scale a horizontal spindle
moulder is used. This is operated by a highly skill woodworker. The
cutters are inter- changeable to cut a variety of moulding shapes.
13. CAD / CAM
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In our consumer age the market place demands an evermore varied selection of
high quality products. Designers must quickly respond to the demand for high
standards in workmanship and efficiency.
Using Computer aided design and computer aided manufacture a designer can
achieve these goals.
Benefits of CAD / CAM to the designer:
Designs can be quickly developed and modified.
Designs can be modelled and tested.
Design ideas can be sent electronically to anywhere in the world instantly.
Design proposals can be illustrated for sale to the client.
Benefits of CAD / CAM to the Manufacturer:
If design and manufacture are integrated into one system, production
should be quick, economical and easily modified.
Manufacturing standards can be ensured between factories, if similar CAD
systems are being used.
Accuracy and high quality designs can be made ready for production.
Benefits of CAD / CAM to the consumer:
New designs can be developed quickly to meet the demand of consumers.
Accurate, high quality products can be quickly manufactured.
Helps ensure a wide distribution of products.
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14. Modelling
Integral to the success of a design of a product is making a model. This can be
done in the workshop or developed on computer.
Benefits of modelling to the designer
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With sketch models mechanical parts can be developed and tested (hinges,
lids etc).
Sizes can be determined to suit ergonomic considerations.
The aesthetics can be explored and developed.
2D ideas can be fully evaluated in their 3D form.
A block model can be used to help sell the product to the client.
Benefits of modelling to the manufacturer
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Models can be used to help the manufacturer tool up for production.
A 3D model will improve the understanding of the manufacturer, leading to
a successful product.
Benefits of modelling to the client
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A client will be given a strong impression of what the final product will look
like.
A model will enable the client to test and evaluate moving pats of the
design, specifically ergonomics.
To help convince the client to buy the design.
Types of models
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Sketch models: Simple and quick to produce they are used to test and
evaluate a specific design factor e.g. the size of a mobile phone to suit the
ergonomics of the hand.
Block models: Fully finished models but without the technology. The block
model gives a very good impression of what the product might look like.
Prototypes: Fully realised models, fully working models. Used to test and
evaluate the product before mass production.
CAD models: This type of model is growing in use within the design
industry. Models are quick to produce, easy to modify and manufacture. A
CAD model can be reproduced many times and distributed world wide,
without the need to print the design.
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15. Materials used in modelling
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Almost anything! There is no limit to what can be used or reused, remember
what may seem like junk can be re-worked into a model to give a new look to
a product.
Design Factors
Try not to think of design factors as an isolated aspect of design with little
relevance to the development of a design. Rather consider design factors as being
very wide ranging and with relevance to the stages in the design process.
Design factors need to be considered at these main stages of the design process:
Design analysis.
Writing a specification.
Developing a design.
Synthesising a design idea.
Evaluating the success of a product.
What are the most common design factors?
Function: The features the design offers, usually technological.
Performance: How well it functions, how well the design features work.
Safety: Physical and environmental.
Ergonomics: Physiological, psychological and anthropometrically.
Cost: Over heads, labour, marketing, distribution, profit.
Materials: Renewable, recyclable, finite, environmental issues.
Aesthetic: Styling, colour choice, form v’s function, texture, gender bias.
Obsolescence: Life span, replacements, maintenance, disposal.
Quality issues: quality control, British and European safety standards, Kite
mark.
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16. Design factors explained
Ergonomics:
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Physiological – This refers to the strength, weakness, dexterity, agility, mobility,
or range of movement a person has.
These factors vary from person to person for different reasons: age, injury and
gender.
Psychological – This refers to the intellectual and emotional capacity of an
individual. Designers will consider, intelligence, mood, feeling, likes and dislikes
when designing for people.
It is possible to suggest changes in mood, feelings and engender likes or dislikes
through use of colour, shape or form.
When producing instructions for self-assembly furniture consideration should be
given to the intelligence of the user.
Anthropological data – This refers to the data gathered on human sizes. To make
a product fit a person(s), it is essential that the designer has a knowledge of
human sizes. Information on the variation in sizes is shown as a percentage:
5th%le, 50th%le and 95th%le known as the design range and refers to the range
of the population we design for.
Variations in human sizes are because of gender, age and ethnic origin.
Quality issues:
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Consumer – Any new product should carry a guarantee that it will perform as it
should. To ensure that the customer is satisfied by their purchase, the product will
have gone through a Quality control stage during manufacture. This Quality
control stage is often indicated by placing a label or mark on the product.
The British kite mark is made up of the letters B, S and I, which is short for British
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Standards Institute and signifies quality assured.
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Often the company logo or company name is enough to indicate that the product
has met quality control standards and is a worthy purchase. For example Rolls
Royce cars (RR), is recognised as a high quality car manufacturer.
If the customer is not satisfied with the
performance of the product it may be
possible to have the product replaced
or money returned.
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17. Manufacturer – Essential to customer satisfaction and maintaining customer
loyalty is the responsibility of the manufacturer to produce high quality goods.
The manufacturer must use suitable materials and production methods to ensure
high quality products. During production the manufacturer must set up “checking
stages” where the product is evaluated. If it is not right, then it will be returned
up the production line to be fixed, or removed from the system.
“A product being
checked on a
production line.”
Generating ideas
To kick start the creative process designers can use techniques to generate ideas.
Mood board or life style board: A collage of images are gathered and
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usually pasted together to form a stimulating source. Colours, shapes and
textures can be used to assist in the creation of new ideas.
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18. Morphological analysis: A number of relevant titles are posted at the top of
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a page. Under each title random words are listed. By then mixing words
from each column a new concept can be found.
“Design for clock”
Themes
U U Materials
U U USize
U Production method
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Sport Plastic To fit a shelf Injection mould
Star wars Glass A3 size Casting
Nature Wood Pocket size Saw and file
By mixing words from each column a wide variety of starting points can be
achieved.
Brainstorming: This is a group activity, usually initiated at the beginning of
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a design project. The brief may be discussed by the design team and a
specification developed. Keys to a successful brainstorming session:
1. Everyone is expected to contribute.
2. There is no wrong answer as long as responses are aimed to develop ideas.
3. It is desirable to have a group of diverse contributors.
4. A summary of the meeting should be taken.
The design team
A product is never created by one single person (designer), rather it is a team of
experts who will contribute their opinions to help develop the product from an
idea to reality. Below are some worth mentioning, though the list of consultants is
never exhausted.
Members of the design team:
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Designer
Client
Ergonomist
Aesthetics (stylist)
Materials expert
Technology expert
Manufacturer
Accountant
Marketing manager
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19. Designer
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The work of the designer is very broad and his or her role in the development of a
design will mean co-ordinating all the other members of the design team.
Primarily, a designer will discuss the brief, help produce a product specification,
generate ideas, synthesis ideas into a solution, produce models and prepare the
solution for manufacture, eventually evaluating the success of a prototype and
making modifications if necessary.
Client
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One who initiates the brief and has the desire to hire a designer to produce a new
product. He or she will probably commit money and their own ideas to the
project. The client can be involved at any stage of the design process to advise
and confirm that the project is heading in the right direction. Ultimately, the client
should reap the financial rewards when the product successfully reaches the
market.
Ergonomist
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An ergonomist will give specific advice on three ergonomic areas: Anthropometric
data (on human dimensions), Physiological information (On human movement,
strength and dexterity) and on Psychology (feelings, mood, intelligence, habits,
likes and dislikes). Applying these factors to the design of a product should ensure
it is suitable for people to use.
Aesthetics (stylist)
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It is true to say that first appearances can influence the buyer. Where there is so
much competition from similar products, it is necessary for our design to catch the
eye of the buyer before the competition. To achieve this edge a stylist can be
hired to advice on a number of aesthetic issues: Colour choice, styling, texture,
proportion, balance of shape, form and colour, trends and fashions.
Materials expert
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We demand products to be more durable, hard wearing, flexible, colour fast and
stronger. Common raw materials: wood and metal still have their place, but
composites (mixtures) of plastic or man made materials are the most common
today. Designers need experts in the field of materials to ensure that the product
will perform as it should.
Technology expert
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The technology, now common place in many house hold products (micro waves,
flat screen TV’s and PC’s), was unheard off twenty years ago. Designers rely on
technologists to provide technological opportunities which will advance the
development of their design ideas. FB/MGS/07
20. Manufacturer
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A product will only come to life through the efforts of the manufacturer. The
manufacturer will be involved in the design process at many points. At the
research stage: when the designer will want to know how it is possible to realise
the ideas on paper. At the planning stage: When the manufacturer will take the
design proposal and plan how it will be made (manufacturing and production
methods). Finally, the manufacturer will be responsible for the production and
quality control of the product before it goes to the customer.
Accountant
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Controlling budgets, wages, electricity bills, rent of office space, purchase of
materials, taxation, profits, paying for distribution are known as overheads. It is a
big responsibility to balance the books and should be given to an expert in the
field of finance and economics. An essential member of the design team who will
take on the responsibility of such jobs will be the accountant.
Marketing manager
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For the new product to compete in the market place, it will be advertised and
promoted. The role of the marketing manager is to survey the public to assess the
demand for the product and then advertise and promote the arrival of the new
product. Always watchful for the decline of a product, the marketing manger will
look for the chance to promote a new product.
Technology
The use of technology (micro electronics, computer control) plays a big role in
the design of modern products. Most everyday products use technology.
There are a few terminologies you must be familiar with.
Technological push.
Market (consumer) pull.
Technological innovation.
Obsolescence.
Miniaturisation
Technological push
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Where a specific technology has been invented, it can be applied to other design
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situations. For example computer systems developed by NASA and assisted
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astronaughts to travel into space are now household personal computer systems.
“Technological development pushes the designer towards new ideas.”
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21. Market pull
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Where the consumer creates a demand for a new product, the designer must
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respond with new designs. For example the market demands portable music
systems that are hassle free and have a large capacity for music storage. The
designer responds be inventing the ipod.
“The consumer demands new products to replace present day products. The
designer is driven by these demands.”
Technological innovation
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A designer needs to know about recent technological advances, so that these can
be built into new designs.
Examples of technological innovations:
Miniaturisation allows that designer to produce compact, small products.
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Consider how small an MP3 player is compared to a CD walkman.
The use of IT (information technology – computers). Products can be
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controlled and commanded to perform varied tasks. A new washing machine
can detect how heavy the washing is and adjust its speed to reduce
bumping and knocking.
Integration of systems: A single product can be made to perform many
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tasks. A new mobile phone will not only allow users to talk to each other
but, text, take photos, connect to the inter-net and remotely pass
information through blue tooth. Compare the performance of to days
phones to ones produced ten years ago.
Obsolescence
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To keep the consumer wanting and relying on new products, designers will make
products that will eventually fail. They have a built in life span and this is known
as built in obsolescence.
A product will become obsolete because:
The materials it is made from will break, tear, wear away, dissolve, fade,
wrinkle, or melt. For example a fabric on a seat will wear, fade and tear and
will have to be replaced eventually.
Parts of the product will be a made weak or fragile. Typically the battery
compartment cover on a camera has a very weak hinge and after the
22. batteries have been frequently replaced the hinge will fall off. The remaining
parts of the camera function well, but the user will feel the camera needs
replacing.
Impossible to maintain. There may be no replacement parts or they might
be very expensive. Consider how difficult it is to by a black and white film
for a camera these days.
The product is superseded (replaced by a better version). The new
product might perform in a similar way to others, but by the virtue of it
being new, it is a desirable object.
Goes out of fashion. Designers will use colour, shape and logos to alter
products. As products grow older their shape and colour can become less
fashionable. We all understand this if we consider how often we buy new
clothes and throw out clothes that are functionally sound, but are out of
fashion.
Materials
Vital to the development and success of any design is an understanding of the
materials a product can be made from.
To understand more about a material than just its name we must look at its
Properties.
What properties can materials have?
Durable: long lasting.
Hardwearing: resistant to scratches, bumps and abrasions.
Malleable: can be bent and shaped without fracture.
Ductile: can be drawn down into a wire or rod.
Elastic: can be deformed but return quickly to its original shape.
Conductor: will allow electricity or heat to pass though.
Insulator: will not allow electricity or heat to pass through.
Brittle: Will shatter if struck.
Transparent: See through.
Opaque: Blocking light, though allowing some light through.
Absorbent: able to draw in water or similar liquid.
23. Wood
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FSC: Forestry stewardship council ensures the timber is taken from a
managed source.
Pine: Soft wood used for a large variety of products. The bold grain pattern
is seen as an attractive feature. Not expensive and always available.
Available from a renewable source.
Beech: Hardwood commonly available, though expensive. Because of its
durability it is used to for benches, tools and kitchen utensils. Available from
a renewable resource.
Teak: Durable and ideally suited to weathering. Very rare however because
it comes from Asia. A rich brown colour. Not available from sustainable
sources, therefore expensive.
Plywood: Layers (veneers) are glued on each other to form a solid board.
Plywood is very strong compared to its thickness and can be bent into
curves. A very versatile material it can be used for a wide variety of jobs
inside and out.
Metals
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Aluminium alloy: Non ferrous, Light-weight, ductile, malleable, rust proof, is
easily melted for casting and is easily cut and machined. An ideal material
for a variety of jobs. Commonly available and can be recycled.
Stainless steel: Non ferrous, Durable, clean, shinny, will not rust and is
easily machined. Used in a similar way to aluminium alloy, though stainless
steel is tougher than aluminium.
Plastics
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Polypropene (pp): A thermoplastic, clean, flexible, durable, fade resistant,
can be extruded, injection moulded and vacuumed formed. Used for many
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kitchen products. It can be recycled and is a by-product of the oil industry.
24. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): DO NOT TRY TO LEARN THE LONG
NAME FOR THIS THERMOPLASTIC. A thermoplastic, Strong, light weight,
scratch, heat and chemical resistant and can be extruded and injection
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moulded. Suitable for furniture, car parts, and products that will have to
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come in contact with wear and tear. Can be recycled.
Araldite (epoxy resin): This is a thermosetting plastic. Two liquid chemicals
are mixed together to form a chemical reaction. When both chemicals meet
in air they begin to bond and harden. This is ideally used as a glue and can
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be cast into a form. Cannot be recycled.
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Melamine (plastic laminate): This is a thermosetting plastic. Commonly
known as formica, it often used as a surface for a worktop. It can be
coloured, printed on and textured to look like wood, stone or any material.
It is hard wearing and heat resistant though can be easily cracked. It cannot
be recycled. It is often compression moulded.
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The design process
There are a logical series of steps a design team will follow to complete a design
project. There is no hard and fast set of steps that all designers follow. The
design process is often lead by the nature of the project. However there area few
stages common to most design projects.
Design brief
Analysis of the brief with relevant research
Specifications
First ideas
Developed ideas
Synthesis of an idea
A solution
A working drawing
Evaluation
Design brief
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A client will raise a problem for a designer to solve. There are two types of
problem:
Open brief: Where there are few restrictions on the direction the design
should take.
Closed brief: Where the client insists on restricting the design of the
product.
Analysis of the brief with relevant research
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The design team will research design factors relevant to the brief. The information
on function, performance, safety, aesthetics or ergonomics will be used to assist
in the design of the product.
Specifications
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The design team will eventually agree on a direction to take the design This
agreement or policy will steer the design team towards a solution. A product
specification is made up from the design factors researched at an earlier stage.
Specifications are made up from the following headings:
Function
Performance
Safety
Ergonomics
Cost
26. Materials choice
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First ideas
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A designer will need to open their mind to different possibilities and so the first
ideas need to be varied and innovative (inventive). These first ideas are quickly
produced and usually lack great detail.
Developed ideas
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One or two of the most promising ideas are further developed to add the detail
necessary to become a solution.
Synthesis
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Vitally, a rear solution needs to be checked against the specifications. This
process of checking the details of a possible solution against the original
specifications is known as synthesis.
A solution
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This final proposal will be presented to the client for final approval. It may be a
manually produced graphic, computer illustration or model. The designer will hope
to sell their idea to the client through their illustrations.
A working drawing
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This technical illustration will contain all the information necessary to make the
product. It normally includes: sizes and tolerances, volumes, forms of
construction, materials and instructions on how it should be made.
Evaluation
U
Most products need alteration at the early stages of marketing and selling. To
decide on what modification, if any need to be made, the product is evaluated
(tested) against the specifications once more.
27. FB/MGS/09
Product Design revision notes
Please read over these notes before your exam. The following notes are designed
to compliment and simplify your text book. Use these notes when you are doing
past papers.
Contents:
Safety and the environment.
Manufacturing systems.
Production methods.
Modelling.
Design factors.
Generating ideas.
The Design Team.
Technology.
Materials.
The design process.
Additional topics will be added later.
28. FB/MGS/09
Product Design revision notes to suit
Intermediate II
and
Higher
January 2009
Name:
Class:
Teacher:
29. FB/MGS/09
HDPE/LDPE PP ABS
Properties of a material Ergonomics
Psychology Anthropometrics
Physiology Function Performance
Aesthetics Balance Proportion
Physical safety Environmental safety
Quality control Mass production
Batch production One off Jit
Obsolescence: Why and How?
Market research: Expert opinion, User trial,