2.9 Critical Analysis and Evaluation

Question 1

Critical analysis and evaluation

Answer 1

In-depth, research linked, objective study of a design

Question 2

Evaluation

Answer 2

Report on how effectively a design meets its specification

Question 3

Product recall

Answer 3

Removal from sale and return of products to manufacturer for fault rectification

Question 4

Focus groups

Answer 4

Market research with members of particular demographic group(s)

Reveals consumer perceptions about a specific area the designer is interested in

Members are paid to participate

Question 5

Demographic group

Answer 5

A specific category of the population

Question 6

State two advantages of focus groups

Answer 6

• Can save time and money compared to individual interviews
• Useful for obtaining detailed information about consumer feelings, perceptions and opinions
• Inform decision-making
• Can provide a broad range of information

Question 7

State two disadvantages of focus groups

Answer 7

• Can be disagreements and irrelevant discussions which distract from the main focus
• Hard to control and manage
• Difficult to analyse
• Difficult to encourage a range of people to participate
• Participants may feel pressured to agree with the dominant view

Question 8

What might be learned from using ‘Direct questioning and group discussions’ with focus groups?

Answer 8

Appropriate product pricing levels

Question 9

What might be learned from using ‘ Physical interactions with products’ within focus groups?

Answer 9

Comfort experienced when using products

Question 10

What might be learned from using ‘Videos and presentations’ with focus groups?

Answer 10

Likely success of advertising strategies

Question 11

What might be learned from using ‘Sketching ideas and logos’ with focus groups?

Answer 11

Strength of brand identity

Question 12

What might be learned from using ‘Creating mood boards’ with focus groups?

Answer 12

Favourite colours for products

Question 13

Examples of activities with focus groups

Answer 13

• Direct questioning and interaction
• Physical interaction with products
• Videos and presentations
• Sketching ideas and logos
• Creating mood boards