Copyright © 2020 M.Kenny, A.McGuire and E.Jones. All Rights Reserved
No parts of this website maybe copied or reproduced without permission
Sketchbook: Product Analysis
Designers rarely design a product that is brand new. Most ideas are
based upon past or similar products or inspired by nature, artists
or other designers or design movements. Product analysis is a key
feature in researching and developing a new product and a key
feature in the continuous improvement of a product.
Sketchbook: Product Analysis
A consumer profile is a way of describing a consumer categorically such as their behaviour, location, habits and so on which is important in targeting specific markets and for advertisement purposes. The techniques now used to gather such information are very sophisticated and demonstrate the importance of the knowledge-driven economy.
No designer works in a vacuum. Designers will often look at existing products for
inspiration and a starting point for design ideas.
Often products are an improved version of what is already available on the market.
Designers will often disassemble existing products to reverse engineer designs and
improve upon them. When writing your analysis it is very important that you don’t
just describe the product. Be critical of the product and form your own opinions
of it. Use the opinions of the target market. Ask them what they think?
When completing your product analysis describe whether the categories are above or
below the line?
Above the line characteristics – qualities, how it looks, image, the visual interface
between user and product, materials, ergonomics, anthropometrics and function.
Below the line characteristics – product performance, how it operates, manufacture,
material and components, assembly and build quality.
Below are a number of headings that you could use to analysis your product when disassembling.
Use them but add your own or take away any of them in order to customise your analysis
so that it suits your type of product.
Your analysis needs to be detailed.
DO NOT simply describe the product. Be critical. Explain the good the bad and the
ugly
Use the opinions of the target market. Ask them what is more important to them? Form
over function - function over form? Materials? Cost? Etc.
Above the Line Characteristics (Qualities)
Ease of use and clarity of function (Interfaces)
Ergonomics and Anthropometrics
Images
- Take plenty of photographs of the product you are disassembling.
- Use images to highlight the different aspects of your analysis.
- Make sure you use appropriate images to highlight what you are saying in your analysis.
- Close up’s are good to highlight intricate details of your product.
- Use props and people to show the product being used.
Step 1 - Introduction:
- Describe what activities you are going to carry out and explains why in terms of
progressing your coursework.
- Say how this will be helpful in your project.
Aesthetics
- Are the aesthetics appealing?
- Do they fit in with today's fashions and trends?
- Are they suitable for the intended target market?
- What are potential consumers opinions?
- Is the quality of finish of an acceptable quality? Can it be improved?
- What could be improved in regards to the aesthetics?
Consumer Opinion (Poles Apart)
- Use “Poles Apart” to gauge user opinions on the topics you are analysing your product.
- Make sure you discuss your findings in your analysis.
- Ask as many questions as you need to in order to gain a good understanding of your
users opinions
Function
- How effective is the product at carrying out its primary intended function or functions?
- Is it a suitable size?
- What do the consumers think?
- What do you think?
- How can the product be improved?
- Can any other functionality be incorporated into the product?
Ease of Use.
- How easy is it for the user to use and operate the product.
- How long does it take for a user to operate the product for the first time?
- Does the user need to read the instructions first?
- Are the instructions easy to interpret?
- Is the function of the product compromised as a result of other factors or limitations
such as aesthetics, cost, materials etc?
- Is it easy to adjust?
- How easy is the product to maintain? Is it difficult to clear, change the batteries
etc.
- What do potential consumers think?
Ergonomics and Anthropometrics
- How ergonomic is the product? Does it “fit” the intended user? Is it comfortable
to use? Is it too heavy? Is it too big, too small?
- Is it adjustable?
- Is it set at the correct dimensions for the intended user?
- What do the consumers think?
Below the Line Characteristics (Performance)
Materials and Components
- What materials have been used to produce the product?
- Are the materials suitable for the products use or not? Why are the materials suitable
or not?
- Why do you think these materials have been used?
- What are the required properties the materials must have for this product?
- Have compromises been made in terms of cost, quality, aesthetics, performance and
properties in the selection of the materials?
- Are the materials sustainable?
- What effect do they have on the environment?
- Can the different materials be easily separated and recycled or re used?
- Can the materials used in the product be improved?
- What components have been used in the product?
- Have they had to been specially manufactured or are they standardised bought in components?
- Are they suitable?
Performance (how it operates)
Packaging
- Is the packaging effective? Is it sufficient to protect the product when it is in
transit?
- Does the packaging help advertise and sell the product?
- Does it help to show the unique feature and USP of the product?
- How does the product and packaging effect the environment?
- Have the appropriate materials been used in the packaging?
- What could be improved?
Materials and the Environment
- What materials have been used in the manufacture of the product?
- Are they suitable?
- Are the materials environmentally friendly?
- Can they be recycled or reused at the end of the products life?
- Can you improve upon the material selection?
- Do the material impact upon the products lifecycle when it is disposed of?
- Is it recyclable? is any part of it able to be reused?
- How could you reduce the products carbon footprint?
Materials and the Environment
Conclusion
Make sure that you have
- presented a range of existing products;
- explain why you chose the particular products for evaluation (target audience, market
sector etc.);
- annotate the important design features of the products;
- annotate the weak design features of the products;
- explain why existing products might not fulfil the wants/needs of your target audience.
Technology
- What technology is being used in the product?
- Is the technology adequate for its intended purpose?
- Does the technology add to the users experience or does it hinder it?
- Does it work properly?
- Is the technology cost effective?
- Does the technology require maintenance?
- Is it eco friendly?
- Can it be re-used or recycled?
