Textiles Evaluation Techniques These icons indicate that teacher’s notes or useful web addresses are available in the Notes Page. This icon indicates that the slide contains activities created in Flash. These activities are not editable. For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation. 1 of 21 © Boardworks Ltd 2005

Learning objectives Learning objectives To understand that evaluation is a very important part of the design and manufacturing process, and should take place at different stages of the process. To realize the importance of: evaluating your research evaluating your final product against the design brief and the product and manufacturing specifications asking prospective end users for feedback testing your final product. To recognize that when criticizing a design or product, it is necessary to include your own personal solutions or improvements. Learning objectives 2 of 21 © Boardworks Ltd 2005

Research Research is the starting point of the design process. Information can be gathered from a number of sources, including catalogues, websites and shops. Coursework tips Make sure you keep a record of your research sources. Write down all your findings and note how they will inspire your designs. Include details as to which source gave you the most and best information. Keep all your research, even if you think it is irrelevant.

Examples of research evaluation Research method used Exhibition Why I used this method Displaying a product that I am designing Information that I found out What new products are being launched Did it help? Yes, I found out about competitors Is this information relevant? Yes, I want to design something innovative Research method used Questionnaire, sent through the post Why I used this method Not many manufacturers in the area Information that I found out Very little; they did not give much away Did it help? No, not much information gathered Is this information relevant? No, as above

Evaluating as you work Analyse your initial design ideas: What can you realistically achieve in the time available? How much will the materials for each design cost? Which design best answers the brief? Produce a model: Does the model work? Ask prospective end users for feedback. Adapt your design if necessary. As you make the final product: Evaluate the quality of your making.

Evaluation criteria A finished product should be evaluated against: the design brief and design specification the requirements of the client/end user the product and manufacturing specifications health and safety regulations quality checks. Photo from Sentinel Clothing Company (http://www.sentinelclothingco.com/factory.htm). These finished vests are being checked for quality before they leave the factory.

Design brief Look at the design brief and the designer’s final product. Evaluate the dress. Design brief Design a dress aimed at a six-year-old girl. It will be worn as casual summer daywear and should appeal to a wide market. It must be comfortable and allow the child to dress herself. Hook and eye fastenings You may wish to highlight key points in the design brief to encourage students to evaluate whether or not the dress fulfils the brief. Made of heavy stiff fabric

Desirable or essential?

Design brief Did the designer get it right? Would the colour of the dress appeal to a six-year-old girl? What about some more some decoration, e.g. appliqué? A six-year-old would never be able to fasten hooks and eyes! The stiff fabric would be really uncomfortable. The sleeves could get in the way.

Product specification Now that your product is complete, look back at your product specification. Would you change any of the fabrics and why? Would you change the colour of the fabric and why? Would you change any of the fastenings and why? Would you change any of the features, e.g. pockets, and why?

Evaluation against specification

Manufacturing specification The manufacturing specification holds all the instructions for making a particular product. Once a product is complete, the manufacturing specification can be evaluated and improvements suggested to the manufacturing process. The manufacturing specification will include the following: Detailed time scale plan – look at this to see if there are any changes that can take place, e.g. the process may take too long and require modifying . Flow diagram – this will identify any problems that may arise. It also shows where and when key tasks are undertaken.

Gantt chart This Gantt chart is editable so students can change the manufacturing stages to match their own products if you wish.

Flow diagram: for making a pair of boy’s trousers Start Pin & tack inside leg seam Sew inside leg seam Pin & tack c/f seam Pin & tack top of trousers Sew c/f seam Sew around top Pin & tack c/b seam Thread drawstring Sew c/b seam Try on Pin & tack side seam 1 Pin hems Sew side seam 1 Tack hems Pin & tack side seam 2 No Sew side seam 2 Are the above stages okay? Yes Are the stitch lengths and seam allowance correct? No Yes Iron Finish

Manufacturing specification What does the information in the Gantt chart and flow chart tell you? Can the process be shortened to enable the manufacturer to make more products within a limited time period? Are any of the processes not being done properly? Should more time be taken? Can any of the processes be done in a different order? When is checking taking place?

How will you test your product? Think of a number of different ways that you can test your product. Design a questionnaire and interview a number of people in the target group. Test your product, e.g. wear a winter jacket outside in extreme temperatures. Evaluate the items in a group discussion.

Client/end user feedback Show your product to prospective end users and ask them to try it out for its intended use. A list of questions for the user to answer will help them through the process. The user may also be given a copy of the design brief and specification. The user should be asked questions that are personal to them as well as others that refer back to the specification. Coursework tips Take photos of the user trying out the product to include in your coursework portfolio. You could also ask users what they think about similar existing products.

Client/end user List of questions and answers for an outdoor walking jacket.

Performance test for a babies’ play mat Lay the play mat out on the floor and let the baby explore and find things for itself. Things that you may want to note: Which colours attract the baby’s attention? Do they play with any of the sections more than others? How do they react – smile, laugh, etc.? How long does the play mat hold their attention? Can they reach any hanging components? If possible try it out on a number of babies with a range of different ages.

Final report Your final report should say: whether the product met the design brief to what extent the product matched your product specification how you produced the product and what materials you chose to use what improvements could be made to the manufacturing process how well the product works, and what it looks like what others have said about the product how your product compares with alternative products what could be improved about the product.

Key points It is important to evaluate your work at all stages of the design process. A research evaluation allows you to assess the usefulness of different research methods. Evaluating against the design brief and product and manufacturing specifications will tell you how well your product met the criteria set, and allows you to suggest how the end product and the manufacturing process could have been improved. Ask potential end users to test your product to see if it works in real-life situations. Key points 21 of 21 © Boardworks Ltd 2005