Comparison and Analysis

Question 1

What is product comparison and analysis?

Answer 1

Considering, comparing and evaluating products in terms of their attributes or the Product design factors, values, quality and sustainability.

Question 2

With respect to product comparison and analysis what modes need to be considered?

Answer 2

• Qualitative and quantitative information – what is the difference? What does each type tell us?
• Expert appraisal – required for certain products, e.g. to meet a standard, for ergonomic checks, LCA etc.
• User trials – expensive, suitable for products with known safety issues and usually at prototype stage.
• Research of users – usually for products already on the market to see which product people are using, their complaints or satisfaction and wishlists etc.
• Comparative testing – why do it and what does it tell us?
• Values based on product attributes and how they are prioritised and vary by designers, manufacturers, users and owners.
• What contributes to quality in products.
• How to analyse the sustainability of products – what purchasers/users are concerned about and the consequences (to consumers, workers and manufacturers).
• Developing criteria based on the Product design factors to evaluate 3 versions of a similar product.