Dt

new and emerging technologies

people

different needs, different tastes

designers need to understand the marketplace

internet has created a global marketplace and increased competition- gives costumer more choice and lower prices

technology push

designers utilise new technology to make a product before the market is aware

research and development teams introduce new tech, manufacturing processes and materials to push through design of new products

makes products smaller, cheaper or more efficient

market pull

designers make a product that meets demand when market needs a product

itll be the response to market force and what the customer needs

e.g recyclable bags, low energy lamps and gluten free foods

changing job roles

automation commonly leads to reduction of manual labour or change in job roles and working conditions

workforce can be retrained for new positions using new technologies often giving people higher value skills

planned or built in obsolescence

designing product with an artificially limited useful life

ceases or decrementally functions or deemed unfashionable

generates long term sales volume by reducing time between repeat purchases

energy generation

fossil fuels

natural gas used for heating, cooking electricity and power - main source for UK

coal is burned to create energy

oil is mainly used to produce plastics or fuel

renewable energy sources

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advantages

  • cheap, reliable source of energy
  • developed systems harness energy

disadvantages

  • high amounts of carbon
  • non-renewable and unsustainable (finite)
  • accidents contribute to pollution and environmental contamination