Social Considerations

Question 1

Social impact of design

Answer 1

• Social issues can arise when a new product has an unforseen side effect on a group of people
• This can be a good or bad thing
• If a product was dangerous or affected a persons health, employment or wealth other than would be socially unacceptable
• Designs that has a positive social impact may influnece issues such as health and well being, housing and migration

Question 2

Corporate social responsibility

Answer 2

• CSR relates to a companys efforts to support society and sustainable development; being responsible for their own impact
• It is a self regulatory framework that encourages companies to build long term, sincere goals to find ethical and sustainable solutions

Question 3

Other social considerations

Answer 3

• Is the health and safety of all employees a primary concern
• Are employees being paid a fair wage
• Is there an equal rights policy
• Are there appropriate training schemes for employees

Question 4

Moral dilemma

Answer 4

• Products can be morally challenging to some cultural or religous groups
• Computer games can involve shooting and have realistic graphics
• The use of animal fur for garments offends some in society
• Gambling is illegal in some countries therefore fruit machines and roulette wheels wouldnt seel and could offend

Question 5

Sustainable, ethical production

Answer 5

Responsible companies create products that do not negatively impact society or the planet
These include a number of measures including
- Use of labour, is it failry paid are the conditions safe
- Use of materials, are they renewable are they ethically sourced
- Manufacturing methods - are they efficinet in the use of energy and materials, do they pollute
- Product profile - Does it have a positive influece on society or the enviroment, will it last, is itrepairable and recyclable

Question 6

Sustainable design

Answer 6

Deisgn that has a positive impact often involve
- Using only renewable materials from managed sources
- Using renewable energy to power the production of products
- Designing products to be repairable , resueable and recyclable
- Producing products with low power consuption

Question 7

Impact of fairly traded goods

Answer 7

• Fairtrade and many other not for profitorganisations support workers across the globe to get a fair price for their goods, whilst protecting communities and the enviroment
• Designers realise that a discerning public want quality products with godd provenance and try to incorporate this into their product ranges

Question 8

Inclusive design

Answer 8

• Design may be developed to be easily used by the elderly, the disabled, the large and the small
• Pedestrain crossings have been designed using audable beeps and bright coulours for partially sighted

Question 9

Designed for the disabled

Answer 9

• New materials have enabled new and improved designs of prostheses
• Body scanners and 3D printing technology can make more comfortable, customised sockets so limbs fit better and worn longer