Product evolution

Exam expectations Issues associated with product evolution are regularly tested in the written paper. You should be able to explain some of the reasons why products change over time.

Product evolution Why do products change over time? New materials New manufacturing methods New technologies Social changes Fashions/trends Legislation..........

New modern materials There have been massive advances in new materials that it is difficult to keep up to date with what is available. These developments are one of the best examples of technological push as sometimes the properties of the materials are discovered through extensive research and experiments then a useful application found for them later.

Changes in manufacturing methods As we have moved from craft based manufacturing towards fully automated manufacturing this has had a major influence on how products are designed. Choosing the scale of production is a major decision. The following terms are used to describe the different scales of production: One-off or Jobbing Production Batch Production Mass or Flow Production Continuous Production

Automated production Car production is typically organised using robots to assemble many of the parts. This has meant some massive changes in the way the car bodies are produced.

Technological developments Advances in micro electronics has been one of the major technological developments which have taken place in recent years, resulting in much smaller and powerful products. Nano technology appears to be another area which will have a major impact in the future.

Social changes People in the UK have changed dramatically over the last hundred years. Here are just a few of the changes which have affected the evolution of products: We have become much wealthier We have far more leisure time than we have ever had We now live in a multi-racial/multi-cultural society Many women now work outside of the home We travel a great deal Youth culture has developed We are far more technologically aware International markets

When did we “invent” teenagers? The “Teddy Boy” era of the1950s was probably the first sign of youth culture The “Mods” of the “Swinging1960s” changed us forever with their demand for fashionable clothing and products The Youth Market is now one of the largest areas products are developed for

Fashion changes The art and design movements of the last century have had major influences of the style of products: Arts & Crafts movement Art Nouveau Modernism Art Deco De Stijl Bauhaus The Streamlined Age Memphis Post Modernism

Trend forecasting The clothing industry has developed “seasons” which predict the latest trends in colour and style Although much slower, the furniture and interiors trends change on a regular basis, quickly making many people feel that their homes are “out of date”, or old fashioned

Trends from abroad Counties such as Denmark and Sweden have had major influences upon the style of products in our homes India has had a major impact on UK, particularly with regard to soft furnishings and clothing Italy has always been associated with flair for design and is a major influence on our products Germany, the Bauhaus and the influence of designers such as Dieter Rams still influence the style of today’s products

Retro design Modern products based on styling from the past Keep nostalgic styling but incorporate the latest technology

Legislation/regulation Consider some of the recent laws and regulations that have influenced product design: Seatbelts and booster seats in cars Emissions laws linked to car exhaust systems Use of foam in upholstery Mobile phone usage whilst driving Digital TV signals Health & Safety at Work Act.......

Technology Push Research and development in science is a major factor why products change. New materials and new technologies are two areas where science has provided the basis for designers to create new products

Market Pull The power of the consumer is forcing continual changes with issues such as: Environmental concerns Latest technologies Price Exploitation of workers Fair Trade Energy costs......

Continuous improvement Manufacturers need to keep improving their products to stay competitive or to meet changing regulation/legislation. Consumer/retailer feedback Maintenance engineers Production staff Pressure groups (environment) Financial savings…….

Continuous improvement Key questions: How can products be made more sustainable? Can you make links to the 6 “R”s? Are continuous improvements a good or bad thing for the environment? In the written examination these questions allow you to discuss issues and give opinions

Exam tip In the examination you may be asked to name some reasons products evolve or change over time. This may help you to remember the most important reasons Mickey Mouse Tells Funny Stories Materials Manufacturing Technology Fashion Social