Design Factors Summary

Designs must address a specific problem or fulfil a need.

• Example: In designing affordable housing, the primary goal is to provide a safe, comfortable living space at a low cost. Designers must understand the social and economic context of the community being served to ensure the design meets their needs.

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Needs

• Explanation: The starting point of any design process is understanding the needs of the user, market, or situation. A product or solution must address a specific problem or fulfil a particular requirement.

The design should suit its intended environment and user.

• Example: A high-end luxury car design needs to prioritise looks, performance, and technology to appeal to wealthy buyers, while a budget-friendly car design should focus on durability, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

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• Appropriateness

• Explanation: The appropriateness of a design refers to how well it suits its intended use, environment, and user group. It is important that the design aligns with the context and the specific requirements for which it is created.

Design must perform its intended task effectively.

• Example: In designing a smartphone, functionality would include fast processing speed, user-friendly interface, long battery life, and high-quality camera.

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• Function

• Explanation: The function of a product refers to how well it performs the tasks it was designed for. A well-designed product should effectively and efficiently fulfil its primary function.

Evaluate environmental impact from production to disposal.

• Example: In designing a consumer appliance (like a refrigerator), you would need to consider energy consumption during use, ease of repair or recycling at the end of its life, and the materials used in construction.

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• Life-cycle analysis (LCA)

• Explanation: Life-cycle analysis (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life span, from raw material extraction, manufacturing, use, and maintenance, to disposal or recycling. It's crucial for identifying and minimising a product's environmental footprint.

The visual appeal of the product is key for user satisfaction.

• Example: Apple products are often praised for their minimalist, elegant designs, which prioritise simplicity, clean lines, and high-quality materials, making them visually attractive and desirable to consumers.

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• Aesthetics

• Explanation: Aesthetics refers to the visual appeal, style, and design language of the product. It plays a significant role in user perception, satisfaction, and desirability.

Budget constraints affect materials, manufacturing methods, and overall design.

• Example: A designer working on a low-cost product, such as affordable footwear, must consider cost-effective materials and production methods without compromising on quality or functionality.

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Finance

• Explanation: Finance relates to the budget available for the design and production of the product. The financial constraints often dictate the materials, manufacturing processes, and technologies that can be used.

Design must consider future relevance and avoid becoming outdated.

• Example: A smartphone might become obsolete after a few years due to newer models with better features. Designers often plan for their product becoming outdated by making devices upgradable or by offering continued software support.

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• Obsolesce

• Explanation: Obsolescence refers to the risk that a product may become outdated or irrelevant due to changes in technology, user preferences, or market trends. Designing for obsolescence involves ensuring the product can either be updated or remains useful over time.

Design with sustainability in mind to reduce environmental impact.

• Example: Designing a sustainable packaging that uses recycled or biodegradable materials and is easy to recycle after use helps minimise the environmental impact of product packaging.

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• Environmental consequences

• Explanation: Environmental consequences refer to the impact a product has on the environment throughout its lifecycle. Designers are increasingly focused on minimizing the environmental impact, whether through sustainable materials, energy-efficient manufacturing, or reduced waste.

The durability and reliability of a design contribute to user satisfaction.

• Example: In designing sports equipment like a basketball, the material quality, durability, and performance factors such as grip and bounce are all vital to ensure a high-quality product.

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Quality

• • Explanation: Quality refers to the durability, reliability, and overall performance of the product. High-quality designs tend to enhance user satisfaction, longevity, and brand loyalty.

Design must ensure safety and protect the well-being of users.

• Example: The design of construction tools like a hammer must ensure a secure grip, prevent accidents, and minimise physical strain to avoid injury to workers. Similarly, ergonomic office furniture is designed to prevent repetitive strain injuries or back pain.

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• Work, Health and Safety

• Explanation: Work health and safety ensures that the design doesn’t pose any risks to the people using or interacting with it, whether in a workplace or consumer context. For products used in manufacturing, construction, or other industries, safety standards are essential.