Topic 5 : Long answers

Over the last five years there has been an increase in the number of people that own a smartwatch. Users can listen to music, browse social media or find out about the weather on their smartwatch. Many smartwatches are assembled by robotic manufacturing systems.

(a)

List two properties that are required in the materials used in a smartwatch.

[2]

Over the last five years there has been an increase in the number of people that own a smartwatch, . Users can listen to music, browse social media or find out about the weather on their smartwatch. Many smartwatches are assembled by robotic manufacturing systems.

(b)

Explain one reason why the smartwatch is an example of a converging technology.

[3]

Over the last five years there has been an increase in the number of people that own a smartwatch. Users can listen to music, browse social media or find out about the weather on their smartwatch. Many smartwatches are assembled by robotic manufacturing systems.

c) Explain how sustaining innovation, disruptive innovation and process innovation apply to the development of the smartwatch.

Zuperzozial is a Dutch company that manufactures a range of kitchenware (plates, cups, serving utensils, and vessels) from biodegradable bioplastic that is made from renewable resources (such as, corn, sugar cane and grain),

Explain how Rogers’ characteristics of relative advantage, compatibility and observability help in the diffusion of the Zuperzozial kitchenware.The environmentally conscious kitchenware is stylish and durable. It also has a similar weight, feel, performance and dimensions to existing ceramic products. Zuperzozial are distributing their product through specialist kitchen stores, where they are displayed alongside conventional kitchenware. Zuperzozial needs to sell the kitchenware at a slightly higher cost than conventional kitchenware to recover the cost of the new technology used to manufacture using bioplastics.

Explain how Rogers’ characteristics of relative advantage, compatibility and observability help in the diffusion of the Zuperzozial kitchenware. [9]

Designers are developing new umbrellas after identifying problems with the design of existing umbrellas.

A new umbrella design features a mechanism that allows the outside of the umbrella to fold inwards. This keeps water droplets on the inside of the umbrella so they do not drip on the floor.

Another umbrella design features a C-shaped handle to allow users to hold the umbrella without gripping it.

(b)

Explain one driver for the invention of the new umbrella mechanism