Analysing Technique
Whether you are analysing a task, a product, the work of others or adding annotation the words below will be helpful through out the coursework and into the exam. The phrase to remember is MAD FEETS QC.
M |
Materials
These need to be appropriate to the product you are designing; think of properties e.g. durable, transparent. The materials must meet these properties. |
A |
Aesthetics
The way a product looks has a big impact on whether people buy it. It needs to fit in with the style that the target market finds attractive—for example modern lines. |
D |
Dimensions
Needs to be appropriate for the product. For example a mobile phone shouldn’t be table size—a good place to start is the ergonomics. |
F |
Function
The product must provide suitable features to satisfy the needs and desires of the intended users. A product with a large number of features is not guaranteed to be functional! |
E |
Ergonomics
reference to size, weight for children to be able to carry comfortably, open and close easily. Reference to anthropometric data used to design suitable for user. |
E |
Environmental
Reference to recycling, recyclable materials, product life cycle, packaging could be reused for another purpose, washed etc., durability, use of renewable materials. |
T |
Target Market
The type of person that will buy the product—e.g. adults. If you are marketing it at children the chances are an adult will still be paying so it needs to appeal to them too. |
S |
Safety
Needs to fit with the safety standard set by law—for example British Standards and be safe to use by the customer. It could also mean how will you be safe in making the product. |
Q |
Quality
This links to British Standards—also people expectations of quality & value. People want value for money but sometimes a cheap product makes us question why it is cheap. |
C |
Cost
Needs to fit with how much someone from the target market can spend—e.g. teenagers will have less free money than adults. |