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PRODUCT COMPARISON AND SELECTION - 1 |
V. Ryan © 2008 - 2010 |
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A ‘Product Comparison’ gives the designer the
opportunity to show that he/she has the analytical skill to consider a
range of similar products. This is very different to general research when
a designer collects a large range of images and simply adds a few notes
about each product. A product comparison usually involves a limited number
of products and also includes detailed notes. The notes are placed under
headings and the same headings are used for each of the products. |
SELECTION CRITERIA |
The three guitars are compared using the same criteria. This is outlined below. Using the same criteria means that the product comparison is fair and analytical (based on fact) rather than subjective (based on feelings, likes / dislikes etc...) |
ERGONOMICS Ergonomics is an important part of research. Whatever you design it must fit the person who is to use it. For example, the guitar must feel comfortable in the hands and be balanced. The guitar must not weigh too much as this will make it uncomfortable to use for a long time.
This has two aspects; the cost of manufacture and the price the product is sold to the customer. The method of manufacture often determines the price. A hand made one off item usually costs much more than a mass produced item. The costs of the guitars are compared and the clients preferred cost taken into account.
CONSTRUCTION METHOD
Are their any safety issues relating to the guitars? For example, sharp edges, weight or is the design a potential danger in other ways. Electric guitars need to be electrically tested before used. Compare each guitar on grounds of safety.
What does the client think of the colour scheme? This is subjective and sometimes has cultural roots. For example, in China, colours are characterised by their lightness or darkness. White is regarding as a pure colour and reflects honesty. Red is associated with good luck and a child can expect to be given a red envelope full of money on his / her birthday. Elsewhere in the world red is used to represent danger. For this reason red is often used on road signs and other danger signs. The client will have his / her opinion on the colour scheme of the guitar that is to be designed and manufactured.
NEVER FORGET THE CLIENT’S REQUIREMENTS
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SAMPLE PRODUCT COMPARISON SHEET |
A sample comparison sheet is shown below. It shows three guitars shown by a designer and client. Comments will be entered underneath each of the headings for each guitar and finally a star rating is given. |
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