Analysis of existing products: function, aesthetics, ergonomics, sustainability

Product Analysis and Evaluation (AO1 – AO3)

Learning Objective

Students will be able to analyse existing products in terms of function, aesthetics, ergonomics and sustainability, using systematic evaluation techniques to identify strengths, weaknesses and realistic recommendations for improvement.

• AO1: recall and explain relevant terminology and concepts.
• AO2: apply appropriate analysis and evaluation methods to a design problem.
• AO3: justify judgments and make recommendations for improvement.

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1. How the Notes Align with the IGCSE Design & Technology (0445) Syllabus

Syllabus Requirement	Current Coverage	Gap / Weakness	Improvement Added
Identify need, design brief & specification	✗	No guidance on producing a brief or measurable specifications.	Section 2. Design‑Brief Builder with questions, template and checklist.
Idea generation, selection & decision‑making tools	✗	Only a brief mention of decision‑making tools.	Section 5. Generating & Selecting Concepts – brainstorming, SCAMPER, Pugh matrix, weighted scoring with worked example.
Health & safety, use of technology, design in society	✗	No explicit health‑&‑safety content.	Box 4. Health & Safety Essentials – hazards, symbols, risk‑assessment checklist.
Evaluation (function, aesthetics, ergonomics, sustainability)	✓	Content present but could be more structured.	Re‑organised into dedicated sections 6‑9 with clear tables and quantitative indicators.
Communication of design ideas	✗	No explicit instruction on technical drawing conventions, CAD/CAM or graphic communication.	Section 7. Communicating Design Ideas – drawing standards, CAD workflow, packaging graphics.
Specialist options (Resistant Materials, Systems & Control, Graphic Products)	✗	Only a brief reference.	Section 11. Specialist‑Option Quick‑Reference expanded.
Component 2 (project) preparation	✗	Missing a clear checklist linked to the seven assessment criteria.	Section 12. Component 2 Project Checklist – mapping to criteria.

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2. Design Process Overview (Brief)

Before the evaluation stage, students should complete the following steps. Each step links to specific AO outcomes.

1. Identify a need – market research, user demographics, problem statement. (AO1)
2. Write a design brief – see Section 2. (AO1 + AO2)
3. Develop a specification – measurable functional, aesthetic, ergonomic and sustainability requirements. (AO1 + AO2)
4. Generate ideas – brainstorming, mind‑maps, SCAMPER, etc. (AO2)
5. Select concepts – Pugh matrix or weighted scoring (Section 5). (AO2)
6. Plan & communicate – technical drawings, CAD models, bills of materials, project timeline (Section 7). (AO1 + AO2)
7. Consider health & safety – hazards, symbols, risk assessment (Section 4). (AO1)
8. Reflect on sustainability and societal impact – link to the four sustainability stages (Section 9). (AO1 + AO2)

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2. Design‑Brief Builder (AO1 + AO2)

This one‑page tool helps students turn a identified need into a clear brief and a checklist of specifications.

2.1 Need‑Analysis Questions

• Who is the target user (age, gender, ability, cultural background)?
• What problem or opportunity does the product address?
• Where and how will the product be used (environment, frequency, duration)?
• What constraints exist (budget, materials, dimensions, legal, ethical)?

2.2 Brief Template

Purpose	Brief statement of what the product will do.
Target User	Demographic and ability profile.
Key Functions	Primary and secondary functions.
Constraints	Cost, size, weight, materials, standards.
Success Criteria	Quantifiable targets (e.g., torque ≥ 30 Nm, battery life ≥ 30 min).

2.3 Specification Checklist (AO1)

• Functional – performance, reliability, efficiency.
• Aesthetic – form, colour, finish, style.
• Ergonomic – dimensions, grip, control placement, safety features.
• Sustainability – material provenance, energy use, end‑of‑life options.
• Health & Safety – risk‑assessment outcomes, compliance symbols.

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3. Functional Analysis (AO1 + AO2)

The function is the primary purpose of the product. A complete functional analysis should answer the questions below and record measurable performance criteria.

• Primary function – main task the product must perform.
• Secondary functions – additional tasks that add value.
• Performance criteria – numeric targets (e.g., torque ≥ 30 Nm, speed ≤ 1500 rpm).
• Reliability – mean time between failures (MTBF), warranty period.
• Efficiency – energy use per unit of work, material utilisation.

Example – Handheld Electric Drill

Aspect	Details
Primary function	Create holes in wood, metal and plastic.
Secondary functions	Drive screws, hammer‑drill mode.
Performance criteria	Torque ≥ 35 Nm; no‑load speed ≈ 2000 rpm; battery life ≥ 30 min.
Reliability	MTBF ≥ 2000 h; 2‑year warranty.
Efficiency	Energy consumption ≤ 0.45 kWh per 100 holes.

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4. Aesthetic Analysis (AO1 + AO2)

Aesthetics cover visual and sensory appeal as well as the emotional response the product creates.

• Form & shape – does the silhouette communicate identity?
• Colour & finish – suitability for target market and cultural expectations.
• Texture – tactile quality, visual interest.
• Design language & style – minimalist, retro, futuristic; alignment with brand values.
• Target market & cultural relevance – colour symbolism, regional trends, age‑group preferences.
• Timeliness – contemporary trend vs. timelessness.

Example – Smart‑watch

• Form: slim, circular case echoing traditional watches (heritage appeal).
• Colour: interchangeable silicone straps – neutral tones for professionals, bright hues for youth.
• Finish: brushed aluminium for a premium feel.
• Design language: “clean & connected” – minimal icons, high‑contrast UI.

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5. Ergonomic Analysis (AO1 + AO2)

Ergonomics assesses how well the product fits the user’s body, abilities and context of use.

• Comfort & fatigue – grip size, weight distribution, vibration levels.
• Control placement – reach distance, force required, line of sight.
• User size range – e.g., hand circumference 30–100 mm; adjustable components where possible.
• Safety features – overload protection, anti‑slip surfaces, emergency stop.
• Standards & guidelines – ISO 9241 (human‑centred design) or national ergonomics tables.

Example – Kitchen Food Processor

• Grip diameter = 45 mm (covers 5th‑95th percentile of adult hand sizes).
• Controls positioned 150 mm from the main bowl – within comfortable reach.
• Low‑vibration motor and rubberised base to reduce user fatigue.

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6. Sustainability Analysis (AO1 + AO2)

Assess the environmental impact throughout the product’s life‑cycle.

1. Material selection – renewable (bamboo), recycled (aluminium), low‑impact (biodegradable polymers).
2. Manufacturing processes – energy consumption, waste generation, water‑based coatings.
3. Use phase – durability, energy efficiency, reparability, modularity.
4. End‑of‑life – recyclability, biodegradability, ease of disassembly, take‑back schemes.

Quantitative indicator – Carbon Footprint

$$\text{Carbon Footprint} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} (E_i \times \text{EF}_i)$$

where E_i = energy used in stage i (kWh) and EF_i = emission factor of the energy source (kg CO₂ · kWh⁻¹).

Example – Recyclable Water Bottle

• Material: 100 % PET‑recycled.
• Manufacturing: injection moulding – 0.8 kWh per 100 bottles.
• Use: reusable up to 500 cycles, reducing single‑use waste.
• End‑of‑life: 95 % recyclable, colour‑coded collection.
• Carbon Footprint (simplified): (0.8 kWh × 0.45 kg CO₂/kWh) ≈ 0.36 kg CO₂ per 100 bottles.

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4. Health & Safety Essentials (AO1)

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7. Communicating Design Ideas (AO1 + AO2)

Clear communication is essential for assessment and for the manufacturing process.

7.1 Technical Drawing Conventions

• Line types – continuous (visible edges), hidden, centre, break.
• Scale – typically 1:1 for small parts, 1:2 or 1:5 for larger assemblies.
• Dimensioning – ISO 128 rules; include size, tolerance and datum references.
• Section views – indicate cutting plane, show internal features.
• Bill of Materials (BOM) – part number, description, material, quantity.

7.2 CAD/CAM Workflow

1. 2‑D sketch → 3‑D model (solid or surface).
2. Apply material properties and simulate loads (optional).
3. Generate engineering drawings directly from the model.
4. Export CNC code (G‑code) if manufacturing is part of the project.

7.3 Graphic Communication (Specialist Option: Graphic Products)

• Layout – grid systems, visual hierarchy.
• Typography – legibility, brand consistency.
• Colour theory – complementary, analogous schemes.
• Packaging graphics – clear iconography, sustainability symbols.

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5. Generating & Selecting Concepts (AO2)

5.1 Idea‑Generation Techniques

• Brainstorming – rapid, un‑filtered idea list.
• Mind‑maps – visual clustering of related ideas.
• SCAMPER – Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, Reverse.
• Sketch‑storming – quick freehand sketches with annotations.

5.2 Decision‑Making Tools

Pugh (Con‑Con) Matrix – Worked Example (Portable Bluetooth Speaker)

Criterion	Datum (Concept A)	Concept B	Concept C
Battery life (≥ 8 h)	+	+	−
Water‑resistance (IPX7)	+	−	+
Weight (≤ 300 g)	0	−	+
Cost (≤ £30)	+	+	0
Sound quality (≥ 90 dB)	+	0	−

Interpretation: Concept A scores the most “+”, making it the preferred datum; concepts with more “−” may be rejected or refined.

Weighted Scoring – Quick Guide

1. List criteria and assign a weight (0–1) that reflects brief priorities (total = 1).
2. Score each concept on a 1‑5 scale.
3. Multiply score × weight for each criterion; sum to obtain a final value.

Example – Weighted Scoring Table

Criterion	Weight	Concept A	Concept B	Concept C
Battery life	0.30	4	5	3
Water‑resistance	0.20	5	2	4
Weight	0.25	3	4	5
Cost	0.15	5	3	4
Sound quality	0.10	4	4	2
Total		4.1	3.9	3.6

Concept A has the highest weighted score and would be selected for development.

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7. Evaluation Tools (AO2 + AO3)

7.1 Evaluation Matrix (Weighted Scoring)

Use the same weighting system as in the concept‑selection stage to evaluate a finished product.

Product	Function	Aesthetics	Ergonomics	Sustainability	Total (un‑weighted)
Product A	4	3	5	2	14
Product B	5	4	3	4	16
Product C	3	5	4	3	15

7.2 Decision‑Making Tools (AO2)

• Pugh matrix – compare each concept against a datum using “+ / – / S”.
• Weighted scoring – assign a weight (0–1) to each criterion, multiply by the score, sum for a final value.

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8. Sample Evaluation Process (Step‑by‑Step) (AO2 + AO3)

1. Define the target user and intended use scenario.
2. List all functional requirements and record measurable performance criteria.
3. Assess the product’s visual and tactile qualities against the brand brief and market expectations.
4. Measure ergonomic dimensions (e.g., grip circumference, control reach) and compare with ISO 9241 or national tables.
5. Gather data on materials, manufacturing energy, durability and end‑of‑life options; calculate a simple sustainability score using the carbon‑footprint equation.
6. Enter the scores into the evaluation matrix; apply any weighting required by the brief.
7. Write a concise evaluation report:
   • Summarise strengths and weaknesses for each criterion.
   • Justify the scores (reference data, standards, user feedback).
   • Provide realistic recommendations for improvement (e.g., substitute material X, redesign handle for better grip, add a recycling‑take‑back scheme).

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11. Specialist‑Option Quick‑Reference (Resistant Materials, Systems & Control, Graphic Products) (AO1)

Option	Key Concepts	Link to Product‑Analysis Example
Resistant Materials	Properties of metals, polymers, composites; testing (tensile, impact); material selection.	Drill body – aluminium alloy (strength, lightness); food‑processor blade – stainless steel (corrosion resistance).
Systems & Control	Power transmission, gears, motors, sensors, feedback loops.	Drill – variable‑speed motor with torque sensor; smart‑watch – Bluetooth communication, haptic feedback.
Graphic Products	Layout, typography, colour theory, visual hierarchy, CAD for 2‑D drawings.	Product manual – clear icons and step‑by‑step diagrams; packaging graphics aligned with brand aesthetic.

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12. Component 2 (Project) Checklist – Mapping to Assessment Criteria (AO1 – AO3)

Assessment Criterion	What to Include in the Project Folder	How It Relates to the Notes
1. Identification of Need & Design Brief	Need‑analysis questionnaire, completed design‑brief template, specification checklist.	Section 2 – Design‑Brief Builder.
2. Generation of Possible Ideas	Brainstorming sheets, mind‑maps, SCAMPER tables, sketch‑storming pages.	Section 5 – Idea‑generation techniques.
3. Development of Chosen Idea	Detailed CAD models, technical drawings, BOM, prototype photographs.	Section 7 – Communicating Design Ideas.
4. Evaluation of the Final Product	Evaluation matrix, justification of scores, sustainability calculations, recommendations.	Sections 6‑9 – Functional, Aesthetic, Ergonomic, Sustainability analyses + Section 8 – Sample Evaluation Process.
5. Health & Safety	Risk‑assessment form, safety‑symbol key, list of PPE used.	Section 4 – Health & Safety Essentials.
6. Communication	Technical drawings (ISO conventions), CAD screenshots, graphic‑product layout (if applicable).	Section 7 – Communicating Design Ideas.
7. Reflection & Improvement	Reflective journal, identified improvements, plan for next iteration.	Section 8 – Sample Evaluation Process (recommendations).

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References (for further reading)

• Cambridge International AS & A Level Design & Technology (0445) – syllabus and assessment criteria.
• ISO 9241 – Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals.
• British Standards Institution (BSI) – BS 8888: Technical product documentation.
• “Sustainable Product Design” – Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2022.