A: Strand 3

Command Terms:

• Analyse means to break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure. To identify parts and relationships, and to interpret information to reach conclusions.

In strand 3 of Criterion A we are going to look at the design of some existing products to get some inspiration and to help give us some ideas about what could or could not work. The analysis should inspire your own ideas.

You can use different techniques to analyse a product and depending on what type of product it is you should try to choose the most appropriate approach.

It's always better to analyse a real product that you can physically touch and look at closely, possibly even disassemble to look more closely at the design and how it's been made and assembled.

A good starting point is to look at the PARTS, PURPOSES and COMPLEXITIES of the product. To become a good designer you should practice the skill of looking closely at the products you use and thinking about what the different parts do. Analysing the PARTS (the different components that make up the design) the PURPOSE (what do these parts do? Do they have a function?) and do these have any COMPLEX features ( the way parts join or interact etc)

A pencil sharpener may seem like a simple product at first glance. But by closely analysing its design we get a deeper understanding of how the pencil sharpener works and it helps us to identify the main points for consideration when we develop our own ideas.

Another excellent analysis technique is SWOT analysis. SWOT stands for STRENGTH, WEAKNESS, OPPORTUNITY AND THREAT. Create a table like the one below and put the four headings in as shown. Then you can analyse your product.

STRENGTHS - make a list of all the strong points which you feel make the design effective. Think about things like Function, Ergonomics, Durability, Cost, Aesthetics, Materials used, design features which make it stand out.

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WEAKNESSES - make a list of anything negative about the design - things that would make it difficult to use, uncomfortable, ugly, poor value for money, not very durable, poorly manufactured, basic function. Make sure you make specific comments about the product and not generic statements.

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OPPORTUNITIES - make a list of things which could be added to the product to improve it. Think of things that will make it perform better, added functionality or improve existing functions, improve the aesthetics (how it looks) or make it safer or easier to manufacture.

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THREATS - make a list of anything which could cause the product to become unusable, unsafe or unfit for purpose. This will be the most difficult box to fill as most products have been designed carefully to prevent them from being threatening in any way.

Still looking for questions that would help you analyze products? Here are some questions that might help...

1. Is the design safe?
2. What materials have been used? What materials will be the most suitable? What is the overall size?
3. How would the product be mass-produced? On a production line? What will the cost of ‘labor’ be?
4. Is this the best shape for the solution?
5. Are the color schemes most appropriate?
6. Are the functions of the product going to solve the problem?
7. What special features are needed or used in this design?
8. What ‘Ergonomic’ factors need to be taken into account?
9. What equipment, machinery and/or software will be needed for manufacture?