Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
A-Level Product Design - In Class: Paper 1 (Smart Materials (Thermochromic…
A-Level Product Design - In Class: Paper 1
Anthropometrics
The study of the human body
Used to help define parameters associated with the human body
Certain sizes are used to determine the most comfortable fit for the most amount of people
Ergonomics
The study of how humans interact with certain products
Used to determine ways to make a product more comfortable and easier to use by the users
Not only does this consider shape, but it also considers factors such as placement of certain features, user of certain materials and size
Smart Materials
Materials which react an respond to a change in the environment
Thermochromic materials
React to changes in temperature
Phosphorescent materials
Material which can 'glow in the dark' after absorbing natural light
Photochromic materials
Reacts to changes in UV light (sunlight) levels, often changes colour as a result
Electrochromic materials
React to changes in voltage, often change colour or opacity. Used in LCD screen
Piezochromic materials
Changes colour when pressure is applied. Used for showing mechanical effects / damage on components or for security to show when a building has been damaged
Shape memory alloys
Alloys that can revert back to their original shape when heat is applied. Nitinol. Used in medical products such as heart stents where body temperature returns them to original shape, opening up the artery.
Shape memory polymers
Polymers which return to their original shape when heat is applied. Allows for deformation caused by stress to reverted in this material after a temperature change
Polymorph
Mouldable plastic when heated, hardens when cooled. Can be moulded over and over again. Can be used to create moulds for ergonomic parts such as handles
Modern Materials
Bioplastics
Plastics derived from organic, biodegradable, renewable sources
Vegetable oil or corn starch
Manufacturing emits less carbon dioxide, requires less energy to manufacture
More environmentally acceptable
Mostly for disposable products
Graphene
Carbon atoms, arranged in a hexagonal lattice
One atom thin - worlds thinnest material
Extremely light and flexible
300 x stronger than steel
Conducts electricity and heat
Can be combined with other materials to create a superior material to meet specific requirements
E-textiles
Electronic textiles / smart garments
Incorporate conductive fibbers or elements directly into the textile
Eliminate wires - only the textile is seen
Range of wearable technology
Super Alloys
Alloys to be used under extreme conditions with enhanced characteristics
High mechanical strength
Performance in high temperatures
Resistance to deformation under continuous stress (creep)
Resistance to corrosion, oxidisation, wear resistance
High performance alloys
Alloys tailored to meet specific needs
Uses in healthcare and pharmaceutical
A new material which has been engineered to have improved properties
Product Lifecycle
Introduction
- Product is introduced onto the market
Growth
- Product gains momentum and sales on the market, following successful marketing
Maturity
- Product is well established on the market. Popularity and sales reach its peak for the product
Decline
- Sales decrease. Manufactures start pulling out support for the product. the market is saturated. (Newer version are now manufactured to follow fashion trends)
Interpreting Market Research
Primary Research
Research that you carry out yourself
Up to date
Specific
Expensive
Time consuming
Surveys
Questionnaires
Focus groups
Interviews
User trials
Secondary Research
Research that has be created by someone else
May not be specific or up to date
Cost effective option
May be biased
Websites
Government agencies
Magazines, newspapers, books
Research papers
Market intelligence agencies
Marketing Mix
- Actions used by a company to promote its brand or product
Price
Demand
Costs (manufacturing / labour)
Competition
Tax
Stage in product life cycle
Penetration pricing
- Setting a lower price than it is worth to gain shares within a market
Price Skimming
- Setting a higher price to gain back the losses of making the product faster. Also to create competition on the market
Psychological pricing
- Pricing to make users thing that a product is cheaper than it really is
Predatory pricing
- Setting prices so low that forces competitors out of the market
Place
Manufacture -> Consumer
Can change how the product is advertised and who they are advertising to
Manufacture -> Retailer -> Consumer
Manufacture -> Wholesaler -> Consumer
Manufacture -> Wholesaler -> Retailer -> Consumer
Promotion
Offers used and promotion methods of the product
Short-term promotion deals
Exhibitions / trade fairs
Publicity campaigns
Sales representatives
Media advertising to target market
Product
The actual prodcut itself
Aesthetics
Functionalitiy
Brand name
Maintenance
Performance
Ease of use
Maths - Percentages
((new value - old value) / old value) x 100 = percentage change
((sell value - cost) / cost) x 100 = percentage profit