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Product analysis
involves looking closely at existing products and identifying how they
work, the materials they are made from, the industrial processes used to
manufacture them and their key features. It may also involves the designer
asking the general public or potential customers what they think of the
product. The aim of product analysis is to help the designer develop even
better designs and products in the future. A set of recycling bins is seen opposite. Study it carefully and then read through the product analysis below. |
| WHAT PRODUCT ANALYSIS TELLS US THE RECYCLING BIN? | |
| 1. The
product is made from material able to withstand the climate outside -
plastic such as low density polythene. It is more likely to be used
indoors, for example in a canteen. 2. It is relatively light and tough, able to withstand being dropped and accidentally knocked. It is impact resistant. 3.Each bin can be titled forwards and backwards with ease although watch hands and fingers when doing so. 4. The material colour and product design is pleasant to the eye. 5. The stack of bins is narrow and could be unstable especially if the top bin is full and the lower bins are less full - if not fixed in position. 6. The bins look like they could hold a significant amount of recyclable waste.. 7. All exposed edges are rounded, no sharp edges - to protect hands and fingers. 8. It can be manufactured through batch production techniques in a factory - probably injection moulding. 9. It can be delivered to the customer as parts or fully assembled. 10. The style will fit in with most commercial kitchen appliances. 11. The rotating mechanism is simple and unlikely to stick or break 12. It is relatively cheap to manufacture. |
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| WHAT PRODUCT ANALYSIS TELLS US - POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS | |
| 1. Recycled
materials (polythene or polyethylene etc....) could be used to manufacture
the recycling bins. This could be a good selling point to potential
customers. A version made entirely from recycled material may prove
popular. 2. A range of similar designs could be produced to suit different sizes and shapes. The same folding mechanism could be modified so that it could be used with alternative designs. 3. The same product could be manufactured from metals such as aluminium and stainless steel. These would be much more expensive although longer lasting. This would give the customer more choice. 4. If manufactured from aluminium or stainless steel sheet, traditional skills could be applied. Recycled metals could be used. 6. A rigid card or corrugated board version could be manufactured. This could be recycled itself after its useful life span 5. A range of sizes could be manufactured. |
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