- Specifications
A design specification is a list of criteria a product needs to address. Using the brief as a starting point for research, a specification can be written when more facts are known. Information needs to be found through research to help produce early design solutions and improvements.
- Aesthetics
Aesthetics refers to the way a product looks and feels. The first impression of a product is often visual, making aesthetics very important. As well as aesthetics, factors that can influence a user’s opinion of a product include:
colour, sound, smell, taste, form, texture, scale
- People
Developing a detailed understanding of the market place in order to launch new technologies is one of the most difficult aspects for designers and manufacturers. Many aspects need to be taken in to consideration when launching a product.
- Consumer choice
The global manufacturing sector has grown substantially over the last century and the rapid increase of international trade agreements has meant that products can be shipped all over the world
- Culture
Culture is an amalgamation of the ideas, beliefs, customs and social behaviours of a society or group of people. It often manifests itself through ritual, art and fashion. It is important for designers to be aware of the society around them and to try to understand the different cultures that exist within it
- Faiths and beliefs
A designer has to be responsible for considering the wider implications of a product launch within certain communities
- Design for disabled and the elderly
Most countries are striving to become more inclusive and to cater for the disabled and elderly. New and emerging technologies have allowed designers and manufactures to create products and designs ranging from simple tools and household gadgets, to transportation methods and access to buildings, that dramatically improve the lives of many
- Different religious groups
A further issue for designers to consider is designing products that will not offend or have a negative impact on different religious groups
- Tolerance
Tolerance is the amount of error that is allowed for a given task. During a making activity, it may not be possible to achieve 100% accuracy. In industry generally, the narrower the level of tolerance required, the more and item will cost to produce
- Measuring
Measuring and marking out accurately are the most common tasks involving tolerances. Getting the correct distances and angles when marking out any material is vital if product components are to fit together correctly
- Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of human interactions with objects. This includes touch or feel, aesthetics, sound, light, and even smell. As a designer, making a product appeal to a wide range of users is important, therefore studying the relationships and interactions between people and their surroundings, shows what people like and dislike.
