Environment Design and Manufacture National 4 & 5

Environment what environment? When designing a product the environment is a very important consideration. Design and Manufacture National 4/5 2 questions to ask! 1. Will the product “fit into” the local environment in which it will be situated and used? 2. How will the design, development, production and use of this product impact on the wider environment?

Environment Design and Manufacture National 4/5 fitting in! The Local Environment is where the product being designed will be situated and used. Design and Manufacture National 4/5 What’s important Available Space Existing Facilities The Users Depending on the nature and size of the product, there may be restrictions or limitations that need to be considered within the design stage. The new product may have to blend with other products and facilities. For example it may need to use particular materials or adopt a certain style. If the users don’t engage positively with the product it will quickly fail. Therefore, user interaction is very important – ERGONOMICS.

Environment Design and Manufacture National 4/5 global impact? The Wider Environment can be affected as a result of how a product is designed, manufactured and eventually used. Design and Manufacture National 4/5 What’s important Material Use Production Methods Life Cycle Careful material selection from renewable sources can minimize environmental impact. Use of recycled materials is also widely used in new products. Production methods that are chosen can vary in terms of speed, cost, quality and the overall environmental impact they have. How long should the product last? Will it be durable? Will it be recyclable? Each of these can have varying impact on the wider environment.

Environment Design and Manufacture National 4/5 consider these Within your research and your proposal development work you should make sure that you consider the following aspects: Design and Manufacture National 4/5 Available Space Product Users Production Methods Life Cycle Available space Material Usage