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Candidates should compare your chosen product with similar products across the product range. Using the analysis evidence gathered in Phase 1 and the information you find from the comparison to similar products, candidates identify one area for improvement. Candidates must provide a justification (why) of how the product will be improved.
Evidence to be submitted
The candidate’s portfolio must provide the following evidence for the chosen product from Stage 1:
(a) Product comparison
• compare the performance of the product to:
– products with similar functions and identify opportunities for improvement
– other similar products with similar functions across the product range in terms of quality (from basic to high quality products)
Product range is defined as products with similar functions, ranging from high to low quality.
(b) Improvement identification
• identify one area of the product that could be improved
• present evidence to justify the selection of the proposed area for improvement
How to
How to
I would suggest that you try to compare at least 3 products (minimum) but ideally 4 (or more). You should perform a Compare and Contrast against the product you have chosen, looking for reasons why products have been designed in that way. Look at uses of materials; aesthetics; ergonomics; manufacture methods; popularity; cost; features; function; size; sustainability; disposal / replacement / fixing; technology; sales.
There are many methods and ways that you could show your compare and contrast analysis. One of these could be a Static Comparison table like the Apple example below. But remember, this table does not analyse the products but just lists the functions so that the consumer can evaluate the product. The more analysis you do the better your mark!
Comparison tables support decision making, in which people engage only when they have relatively few alternatives to consider.
The main elements a product comparison includes are:
Product description and details: what are the specifications and how do they differ from other similar products? For example, one vacuum cleaner might be cordless and smaller than another.
Product features: what add-ons / features does the product have that others do not? For example, one vacuum cleaner might have six different heads that can be used for different cleaning purposes.
Product benefits: how will the product make life easier for the consumer and how does this differ from other similar products? For example, one vacuum cleaner might have a head specifically for pet fur that leaves homes completely hairless.
Include images: display images of the products you’re comparing so the examiner knows exactly which items you’re talking about; Make it visual: as well as product photos, include illustrations and other visual elements to maintain the examiners attention; Stick to less than five products: don’t overwhelm the examiner with tons of products; instead, stick to 3-5 for best results; Consider user interests: bring the features that are most important to your user to the top of the chart; Include social proof: add ratings and customer reviews to your chart so the examiner can see how previous buyers felt about the product.
What Is Product Improvement?
What Is Product Improvement?
Product improvement or enhancement is defined as the process of making changes to an existing product to optimize it further. The purpose of improving the product is to refine it, increase its value, improve user experience, and maintain competitive advantage.
Functional Improvement
Functional Improvement
Functional improvement means adding or improving features that enhance the product’s core functionality, making it more useful or multitasking for users.
Aesthetic Improvement
Aesthetic Improvement
This type of enhancement works on the product’s visual appeal, and design to create a more attractive and desirable product.
The latest foldable smartphone concept is a primary example of aesthetic improvement. As this technology progresses, the upcoming mobile phones will be more compact and visually appealing.
Sustainability Improvement
Sustainability Improvement
Making changes to the product development process to minimize its environmental impact and align with the company’s sustainability goals is called sustainability improvement.
This type of product improvement keeps customers’ behaviour and lifestyle in mind to build better products. For example, environmental-friendly products and EV vehicles reduce carbon footprints.
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