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EVALUATION EXERCISE

V. Ryan © 2005

 

Evaluating a design / product is very important, especially after it has been manufactured. Any product can be improved by changing its design. Look closely at the envelope holder shown below. How do you think it can be improved?

Evaluate the envelope storage unit in terms of three important aspects; SHAPE, COLOUR and SIZE.
   
SHAPE:
 
COLOUR:
 
SIZE:
 
   
Write two short paragraphs. The first should state what you like about the design and the second should refer to how it can be improved.
   
LIKE:
 
 
 
 
IMPROVEMENTS:
 
 
 

 

 

EVALUATION KEY WORDS /PHRASES

 
The rich picture below shows some of the key words/phrases that should kept in mind when evaluating a product. Draw a similar rich picture  and include more words / phrases that you consider important. For example, if you are evaluating a product that includes a circuit, it would be wise to evaluate the circuits effectiveness (does the circuit work? OR how well does the circuit work?).
 

 

KEY WORDS AND PHRASES EXPLAINED

 

POTENTIAL CUSTOMER
A person who is likely to buy your product.
Who do you think is likely to want your product?


OVERALL QUALITY
We have all picked up a product in a shop and decided straightaway that it is cheap and nasty.

WHAT IS OVERALL QUALITY?

The product looks right.
It is sold at what we think is the right price.
If we can pick it up - it should have a quality feel.
It should be safe.
The colour is right.
 

AESTHETICS
The product looks stylish and modern.
The shape flows and looks well designed.
The colours and shade compliment each other.


DOES IT WORK?
What is the products function or functions?
Does the product do what it is supposed to do?
Does it work 100%?
Could additional functions be added?

 

FINISH
The materials are smooth and there are no rough edges. All scratches have been removed and the materials are polished. If paint or varnish has been applied they have been brushed or sprayed on with great care.
If screws or nails/pins have been used they do not stand out of the material.
The materials may have been deliberately left in a natural state.


MATERIALS
Have quality materials been used to make the product?
Have cheap materials been used?
Do the materials feel like quality materials?
What are the names of the materials?
Would you choose better materials?
Is there any damage to the materials?


SHAPE AND FORM

The various shapes should flow and follow smooth lines.
The shape of the various parts should compliment each other.
The product should look balanced.
The shape and form may reflect the function of the product


COST

How much did the product cost to make?
Which parts were the most expensive?
Which parts were the cheapest to make?
How much would you sell it for?
Is it value for money?
Would you buy it?

SAFETY
Does the product look as if it is safe?
Does it conform to Health and Safety Laws, for example the Trades Description Act?
Are corners or edges sharp and dangerous?
Could small parts be pulled off by a young child - choking threat?
If the product includes a circuit - is the product electrically safe?

   
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