A3: Analysis of Existing Products
A3: analyse a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem
Command Terms
Designers can gain much knowledge and understanding by looking at how other designers have attempted to solve the problem or meet the users' needs.
Selecting Products for Analysis
Carefully consider products you select for analysis.
Ideal types of products for analysis:
Products that have unique features or concepts that you could incorporate into your design
Products that are ineffective at solving the existing problem, and thus can be improved by redesigning them
Products that help you understand the existing market and identify essential features or aspects that need to be included in your final design
Avoid selecting the following types of products:
Products that look exactly like the kind of product you want to make. Your design needs to be unique and meet the needs of your user group.
Products that cannot provide you with insight or inspiration about the design context
Products that just "look cool". Your analysis must connect the product to the design context
Sources and Citations
Any product you select for analysis should include as much information as possible about the designer and/or manufacturer. This information should be included in your analysis in the form of an MLA citation.
Avoid citing "google images" or "pinterest" or other similar sites as the source. If you find an interesting product, you need to do the research to find the original source
Parts Purposes Complexities (PPC) Thinking Routine
The Parts-Purposes-Complexities (PPC) routine is very useful for looking carefully and thinking deeply about a product or concept.
The PPC routine guides you from LOT (low order thinking) to HOT (high order thinking).
Resource
Download the PPC worksheet here
Learn more about the relationship between MYP command terms and LOT and HOT
1. Label the parts of the design
Be as specific as possible.
Look carefully, and pay special attention to how parts are connected, the materials used, textures, etc.
Give the parts a name; Use the correct name, or a name that describes the part
2. Identify the purpose of the function of each part.
Identify the function and how it works.
Examine the part from different perspectives; If you can't, try to infer what the other side might look like. You can also do this in the next section (3. Complexities)
Remember, parts might have multiple purposes.
3. Analyse the Complexities
How do the parts work together? Are there any interesting or unique relationships between the parts?
Evaluate the design, parts, and function. What are some of the strengths and weaknesses you can identify in design?
What questions do you have about the design that cannot be answered by your inquiry or research? List them.
You can to consider: Aesthetics, Form, Function, Structure, Materials, Environmental Impact, Need, Cost, Target market, Manufacturing process
Product Design Sources
In addition to online resources that your teacher has recommend, our Design Library has a large selection of books and collections to review.