A technique for analysing existing products and developing new ones

Controlled Assessment expectations You are expected to show that you have used clear design strategies when developing your own products. You are also expected to know about design movements from the 20th Century. The technique shown on the following slides maybe something you could try out during Y10.

Successful design depends on asking the right questions about the proposed product’s function, purpose, shape, colour and texture. Designers need to be able to analyse existing products and how well a product does its job.

The first stage in designing a product is writing the design specification. Throughout the design process the designer must check that the product matches the specifications. A specification is a statement that tells the designer exactly what the product has to do and what the design requirements are.

Design criteria should always: Describe what the product has to do Describe what the product will look like Include details of any other requirements The specification is a description of the solution to the problem described in the brief

Product design analysis means studying how well a product does its job. When you are analysing the design of a product you need to ask yourself what are the functional and aesthetic qualities of the product. (Function- How well does it match the specification? How well it does the job it was made for?) (Aesthetics- How does it look?)

SCUMPS This technique is a useful tool to help you critically analyse and evaluate existing products

S Size C Colour U Uses M Materials P Parts S Shape

size, colour, uses, materials, parts, shape CARLTON ROOM DIVIDER Laminated wooden structure 197 cm. high x 190 cm. wide x 40 cm. deep SCUMPS size, colour, uses, materials, parts, shape

Why is it this colour? What are the colours used SCUMPS Why is it this size? It is a room divider so has been made high enough to create a barrier between two rooms Multicoloured plastic laminates over wood are a Why is it this colour? What are the colours used Up until 1980 Italian furniture was mostly neutral in colour and had clean lines; it was considered the height of good taste. In complete contrast, Memphis products were colourful, often asymmetrical, multi-patterned and playful. The colours used are base in black and white 'bacteria' pattern, brown, black, red, dark blue, orange, pink, light blue, coral, lime green, primrose, dark grey and light grey

What are its uses (functions/features)? Is it functional? It is a large, freestanding unit, that can be used for books, ornaments etc I can see it working as a room divider but some of the angles of the shelves could make it hard to balance items safely. Why these materials? What are the materials? Memphis was part of a reaction against the rules of the Modern movement in architecture and design, which considered that products should reflect their function, should be simple and unadorned and should use the materials best suited to the purpose. Plastic laminates were associated with cheap, “knock-down” furniture sold by DIY stores. Fake finishes on the plastic surface, such as wood grain and marble, had always aroused the disapproval of design perfectionists, but Memphis used these finishes and 1950s patterns alongside expensive materials such as mother of pearl and rare woods.

What are the parts? Why this shape? It is a shelving system with two drawers in the lower section, three horizontal shelves of varying length and a series of angled and vertical designs and supports Why this shape? Memphis rejected the principle of functional design and the rules of ‘good taste’ which had governed design for decades. They wanted to experiment freely with materials, processes, forms, textures and patterns. In this design Sottsass has experimented with the shape to create a stick like figure that challenges the norms of modern shelving units

A design specification is a detailed description of the product you intend to design and manufacture. Write a list of design criteria you think were used to develop the Carlton cabinet. must