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