For 6th Semester Polytechnic All Branch Students
Written by Garima Kanwar | Blog: Rajasthan Polytechnic
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Course Code 63001(Same in All Branches of Engg.)
Course Title Product Design
3. PRODUCT DESIGN
Product design refers to the process of creating a product that is both functional and visually appealing. It involves making decisions about the product's features, materials, form, and how it interacts with the user.
3.1. Design by Evolution
Design by evolution involves gradually improving an existing product over time. Instead of completely reinventing the product, designers make small, incremental improvements based on feedback, changing needs, and new technologies.
- Example: Smartphones have evolved over time. The first mobile phones were bulky and had limited features. With each new generation, features such as better cameras, faster processors, and sleeker designs were added, making the product more attractive and useful.
3.2. Design by Innovation
Design by innovation focuses on creating entirely new products or groundbreaking changes that don’t exist yet in the market. This type of design usually involves creativity, new technology, or entirely new approaches to solving problems.
- Example: The Apple iPhone revolutionized the smartphone industry with its touch screen and no physical buttons, which was a major innovation at the time. It changed how we interact with mobile devices.
3.3. Design by Imitation
Design by imitation involves studying existing products and creating a similar product, often with improvements or lower costs. This is sometimes seen as copying or adapting an existing design to meet market needs.
- Example: Android smartphones often imitate the design of Apple's iPhone, but with some modifications such as different features, pricing, or software. In this case, companies try to offer similar functionalities but for different consumer segments.
3.4. Factors Affecting Product Design
Several factors influence product design decisions, including:
Customer Needs: The design must address what the customer wants or needs.
- Example: Designing a comfortable office chair for people who sit for long hours.
Cost: Designers must ensure that the product can be produced within a reasonable cost, while still being functional and aesthetically pleasing.
- Example: A budget smartphone will be designed with cost-saving materials but will still try to offer good functionality.
Technology: The design must be feasible with the current technology and manufacturing processes.
- Example: The design of smartwatches relies on tiny, advanced technology to fit in a small, functional form.
Materials: The materials used will affect the product's durability, functionality, and appearance.
- Example: A metal phone case might offer more durability than a plastic one.
Environmental Concerns: Designers need to consider the environmental impact, including sustainability, recyclability, and energy consumption.
- Example: Designing eco-friendly packaging that is biodegradable or made from recycled materials.
3.5. Standards of Performance and Environmental Factors
Performance standards ensure that a product functions properly, meeting the quality requirements and expectations of the customers. Environmental factors take into account the impact of the product on the environment during both production and usage.
- Performance Standards:
- Ensuring the battery life of a smartphone lasts for a specified number of hours under normal usage.
- Testing the durability of a product like luggage to ensure it can withstand different weather conditions and rough handling.
- Environmental Factors:
- Choosing materials that are recyclable.
- Minimizing the carbon footprint during the manufacturing process.
3.6. Decision Making and Iteration
Product design is an iterative process, meaning it involves repeating cycles of decision-making and refinement. After a product prototype is developed, designers test it, receive feedback, and make changes to improve it.
- Example: When designing a new car model, designers will go through many iterations to improve the car’s performance, appearance, and safety features based on testing and consumer feedback.
Key steps in the decision-making process:
- Identify the problem or goal.
- Generate potential solutions or ideas.
- Evaluate the options based on feasibility, cost, and impact.
- Choose a solution and move forward with it.
- Test and improve the design.
3.7. Morphology of Design (Different Phases)
Morphology of design is a structured way of solving design problems by breaking them down into smaller components. The different phases of the morphological design process typically include:
Problem Definition: Understanding what the design is meant to solve or achieve.
- Example: Designing a coffee machine that is easy to use and quick.
Dimension Identification: Identifying the main dimensions or features that the product must have.
- Example: A coffee machine might need features like capacity, ease of cleaning, brewing time, and size.
Alternative Solutions: Coming up with various possible design solutions for each dimension.
- Example: The machine might have manual controls or digital touch buttons as an alternative.
Combination: Combining the alternatives from each dimension into complete design solutions.
- Example: Combining a digital touch control with a compact design for a coffee machine.
Evaluation: Testing and evaluating the combinations to select the best possible solution.
3.8. Role of Aesthetics in Design
Aesthetics in product design refers to how the product looks, feels, and appeals to the senses. A well-designed product that is visually attractive can have a significant impact on consumer appeal and brand identity.
- Importance of Aesthetics:
- Appeal to Consumers: A beautiful design can make the product more desirable.
- Example: Apple is known for designing aesthetically pleasing products that are sleek, minimalistic, and elegant.
- Brand Identity: The product’s aesthetic design can reflect the brand’s values and image.
- Example: Tesla’s car designs reflect high-tech, innovative, and environmentally friendly values.
- Functionality & Aesthetics: The product should not only be beautiful but also functional.
- Example: A coffee mug with an ergonomic handle looks great but must also be comfortable to hold.
- Appeal to Consumers: A beautiful design can make the product more desirable.
Summary of Product Design Process
- Design by Evolution: Gradual improvement of an existing product.
- Design by Innovation: Creating entirely new and groundbreaking products.
- Design by Imitation: Copying or adapting an existing product with some improvements.
- Factors Affecting Product Design: Customer needs, costs, technology, materials, and environmental concerns.
- Performance Standards and Environmental Factors: Ensuring the product performs as expected and minimizes environmental impact.
- Decision Making and Iteration: Product design involves continuous testing, feedback, and refinement.
- Morphology of Design: Breaking down the design problem into phases and systematically generating solutions.
- Role of Aesthetics: The visual appeal and feel of a product significantly impact its success.
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