GCSE Graphic Products Products and Applications Summer Examination 2011

Ergonomics and Anthropometrics 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.

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. Ergonomics and Anthropometrics

Fitness for Purpose Humans have a range of basic needs. All humans need food, water, warmth and shelter for survival. If these needs are not met humans have a sense of deprivation. Some individuals however have special needs. When humans have met their basic needs, they develop a series of wants or desirables. The opinions of friends and family may affect what we aspire to want, where we work, or spend recreational time. You need clothing, and some people are satisfied with supermarket brands, however others may choose to wear designer brands. Your wants and needs again have been influenced by personal tastes developed through what you see in the media. Most products are designed for a particular use or purpose. For example a pencil sharpener is designed to sharpen pencils. This is referred to as fitness for purpose. Fitness for purpose refers to the quality and fulfillment on certain promises, in other words does the product do what designer said it would do?

Product life cycle What is a product life cycle? When a product goes on sale it goes through a series of stages, these are called product lifecycles. It is important that manufacturers know where about a product is up to in its life cycle so that they know when to launch another product, or develop another version of the same product. Products tend to make money early on in their product life cycle, so manufacturers need to keep launching products with newer versions and varieties. Stages of a product life cycle: 1. Introduction to market: Generally a slower period of slow sales as a product is launched. Profits are also generally smaller at this stage. 2. Growth: The popularity of a product increases and more people want to buy the product, boosting profits. 3. Maturity: Eventually demand and profit hits a peak, and most of the potential buyers have bought the product. 4. Decline: a period when the sales of the product begins to down down, profits reduce.