GCSE Resistant Materials Inspiration, Innovation & Design Influences Summer Examination 2011

Form Follows Function There are two main influences on a design, its form (aesthetics) and its functions (what it should do). Sometimes these two conflict each other, for example you may have a design that you like the look of but wouldn’t work very well, or that doesn’t look nice and works well. When designing a product for use by humans, a designer must make sure that it is the correct size for the group of people who will be using it., and that it is comfortable and easy to use. Anthropometrics and Ergonomics are the two main areas that should be considered. Anthropometrics is the measurements of the human body, Anthropometric data provides us with the average sizes of body. If a designer is designing a games console that is suitable for both teenagers and adults, then it is essential that they consult the relevant anthropometric data for the sizes and dimensions of the human hand.

Form Follows Function Ergonomics is the study of people in relation to their working environment. It means that products need to be adapted to suit the needs of the user, such as machines, tools and general working conditions in a workshop. This helps to enable people to work at maximum capacity. A successful design must fit the body, be comfortable, safe and easy to use. Ergonomic features may include the following areas: Shape: rounded corners for safety, or complex shapes to fit the contour of the body. Texture: the product may have to have a ribbed or rubberised grip to prevent the slipping from hands. Colour: the colour of the product may have a significant purpose, all the components under the bonnet of a car are colour co-ordinated for identification by the driver should something need checking/changing. Weight and size: if the product needs to be lifted or moved it will have to be manufactured to within a certain weight or size.

Form Follows Function What ergonomic and anthropometric data need to be considered when designing and using this item?

Market pull & Technology Push Development of designs can be triggered in one of two ways, the social need for a product (market pull) or it can be due to the result of advances in materials and manufacturing technology (technology push) Market Pull Market pull is the influence society has on the development of a new product. It begins with the need for a certain product and so designers need to come up with creative and innovative ways to make this product, even if the materials and manufacturing techniques/technology don’t exist. An example of Market pull would be the ‘space race’. Between 1957 and 1975 Russia and America began the exploration of space. Despite the technology not being in existence to do so, designers came up with new ways for space exploration to go ahead.

Market pull & Technology Push Designers now are having to cope with the demand for more sustainable materials and technology to prevent global warming and environmental damage. Technology Push Most major companies have researched and development departments, where engineers and designers work to improve products, materials and manufacturing technologies. This development is then used to improve their product ranges. The mobile phone is an excellent example of technology push, in 1980 when the mobile phone appeared it was able to be moved around, however over the years technology advances have enabled mobile phones to become smaller, lighter, cheaper, as well as have extensive features such as photo and video capability.

Moral Implications Designers and manufacturers have a responsibility to society to make sure that the products they design and make are morally correct. This means that products should not harm or offend anyone, in any way. Designers: typical questions a designer must ask themselves may include: Will the design offend anyone? Does the design exclude certain groups of people? Will the design harm anyone? Will the design have a bad influence on anyone? Manufacturers: typical questions a manufacturer asks themselves may include: Is the product sustainable? Is there a negative impact upon the environment? Are workers treated in a fair way? Are materials being used efficiently and effectively? Some products now display the FAIRTRADE mark to show that it has been certified by the fair trade foundation, which believes in a better deal for the producers in developing worlds.

Moral Implications Motor Cars The motor car is a part of everyday life, it gives us the freedom to transport people where and when we want. Before buying a car, a motorist should examine the moral issues concerning their purchase. Do I really need a car? Would walking, cycling, or using public transport be a better option? How safe is the car? Does it have crumple zones? (areas of the car that collapse in a crash, absorbing the impact to help protect the passengers) Is it fitted with airbags? (Bags that inflate with air in a crash) Does it use anti-locking brakes? (Brakes that stop the wheels from locking under hard braking, preventing the car from skidding off the road) Is the car as environmentally friendly as possible? How energy efficient is it?