Product analysis, ideas generation and development Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is product disassembly and why is it useful in the design process?
Product disassembly involves taking apart existing products to understand how they work, what materials and processes were used, and to identify areas for improvement or inspiration.
What is a thought shower?
A thought shower, also known as brainstorming, is a creative activity where as many ideas as possible are generated without judgement to explore potential solutions.
How can user experience activities help in idea generation?
User experience activities like interviews, surveys, or observing users interacting with products provide valuable insights into needs, problems, and preferences.
Why might a trip or visit be useful in the design process?
Trips to exhibitions, factories, or relevant environments can inspire ideas, provide new perspectives, and allow designers to see existing solutions and technologies in action.
What are initial rough sketches (concept sketches)?
Quick, informal drawings used to visually explore and communicate early design ideas.
How is CAD modelling used in product development?
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) allows designers to create accurate 2D and 3D models, test proportions, and visualise ideas before creating prototypes.
What are the benefits of physical mock-ups or models?
They help test ideas for size, shape, ergonomics, and function, and identify potential problems early in the design process.
What is an initial prototype?
An early working version of a product used to test ideas, functionality, and performance.
Why is it important to analyse idea generation techniques?
To understand their strengths, limitations, and the situations in which they are most effective.
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of product disassembly.
Advantage: Provides practical insight into construction and materials. Disadvantage: May damage the product or be difficult for complex items.
What makes a concept innovative?
An innovative concept introduces new, original, or improved ideas that meet the user’s needs in a unique or better way.
What does ‘fit for purpose’ mean when analysing a product?
A product is ‘fit for purpose’ if it successfully performs its intended function, meets user needs, and adheres to its specification.
How can a designer evaluate a product against a detailed specification?
By systematically checking the product’s features, performance, and materials against each criterion in the specification.
Why is it important to improve current solutions?
Continuous improvement ensures products remain competitive, meet changing user needs, and can be made more sustainable or efficient.
What is meant by development and modification in the design process?
Development and modification involve refining ideas, adjusting designs based on feedback, and solving problems that arise during modelling or prototyping.
How might a designer develop an idea after initial sketches?
By creating detailed CAD models, physical models, or working prototypes to test and improve the concept.
What are the advantages of CAD modelling over hand-drawn sketches?
CAD models are more precise, can be easily edited, visualised in 3D, and used for simulations or technical drawings.
Why is user feedback important during product development?
It ensures the design meets the actual needs and preferences of users, improving satisfaction and usability.
Give one reason why a product might fail to be fit for purpose.
It may not perform its function correctly, be uncomfortable to use, unsafe, or fail to meet specification criteria.
What is the purpose of using a specification checklist during product evaluation?
To systematically assess whether each design requirement has been met and identify areas for improvement.
