1.3.1 - Product Service Design

Question 1

What is aesthetics in design mix

Answer 1

• Consumers are asked through marketing research about their feelings towards products: how the product looks, tastes, feels
• Aesthetics can mean how the senses respond to the product e.g. the smell of a scented candle
• More stylish and beautiful products tend to sell better and can charge a premium price
• Aesthetics can even be the emotional attachment that the customer has with the product e.g. (watch the Budweiser puppy advert)

Question 2

What is function in design mix

Answer 2

• Questions that a business may need to answer about the function of a new product or service during its design:
• 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

Question 3

What is cost in design mix

Answer 3

• Questions the design team might ask the production department during the design phase:
• 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?

Question 4

What is bespoke design

Answer 4

• Bespoke design means; custom made, custom built, tailor made to the consumer

Question 5

What is standard design

Answer 5

• Standard design are products or services that are sold as standard, the customer cannot add any extra features or benefit

Question 6

What are efficiencies in production

Answer 6

• Efficiencies in production can be achieved by changing the types of materials used or by updating the technology used in production

Question 7

What is design for waste minimalization

Answer 7

• 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

Question 8

How is Re-Use used to reflect social trends

Answer 8

• Some products are made to be re-used, this gives consumers good value for money as they can use the product more than once

Question 9

How is recycling used to reflect social trends

Answer 9

• Some products are made using recycled materials, this appeals to the green consumer and is good for the environment

Question 10

How is ethical sourcing used to reflect social trends

Answer 10

• 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.’