2.5 Critical Analysis

By the end of this unit you should have developed a knowledge and understanding of:

• how to discuss your own and commercial products, leading to possible improvements/modifications of the original idea

• how products are required to undergo rigorous testing-and the testing methods used

• how the use of third party feedback and testing informs the evaluation process

• how critical analysis informs future modifications and development

• the importance of ensuring the views of other interested parties are obtained in order to have objective and unbiased feedback

Summary

• Critical analysis is an in-depth objective study of design, often linked to research.

• Evaluation of design ideas and finished products is similar to critical analysis, but is more concerned with how effectively the requirements of the specification have been met.

• The study of commercial products can be very informative in understanding a wide range of design and manufacturing techniques.

• Thorough testing and evaluation of commercial products is particularly important to maintain their success in the market place.

• Market research, particularly involving focus groups, is a key element in ensuring that designs are as user-centred and successful as possible.

Revision notes

At this point in your studies, you should be able to critically analyse and evaluate products.

You should also take an equally objective approach to evaluating your own ideas and outcomes.

Looking at BSI and conformity can be very useful in your own design work.

Wherever possible you should critically analyse an existing product, ideally by disassembly.

Eventually, you should be able to look at a product and have an idea of how it is manufactured and constructed without the need to disassemble it.

Your teacher may arrange for you to bring in products which you can evaluate and critically analyse as a group. You can always do this yourself and it is good practice for the exam.