Form and Function: Part 7 – Form, Function and Beauty Mr. Williams – Grade 7 Science

The Product Development Process When companies design a new product, they need to consider 3 important sets of factors: Design Factors Manufacturing Factors Sales Factors

Design Factors When a company wants to sell a particular product to the consumers they need to consider a number of design factors. Individual Users The Environment Society: Safety and Health The Economy Legal Aspects

Manufacturing Factors Companies also need to consider factors related to the manufacturing of goods before the process begins. These factors are: Stability of Materials Ex. Is the material waterproof, flexible, hard, made of fabric or velcro…etc. Shipping Costs Ex. How can shipping cost as little as possible Availability and Cost of Materials Ex. Are the materials found in Canada at a reasonable cost? What are concerns of safety? Disposal Ex. Should the product last a long time, or should the company make money on replacements?

Packaging Design, Displays and Labeling Sales Factors Once a product is manufactured, it becomes available to the public for purchase. The company needs to consider the following: Packaging Design, Displays and Labeling Ex. Packages are designed to protect the item, but also attract customers Sale Price Ex. The price of a product determines who can buy it. It also determines the amount of profit for the company. Advertising Ex. Advertising informs potential customers of the product availability and allows them to compare different products. Customer Support Ex. After a product is sold, customers may need more information about the product or help using it.

When we divide the butterfly vertically, we can see it is symmetrical Symmetry When looking at a structure it is easy to see its shape and size. The shape also helps us distinguish it from other products. This can be achieved through symmetry. Symmetry – When an object can be divided in half creating two identical mirrored images Line of Symmetry – Is an imaginary line that divides a symmetrical object into two mirrored halves. When we divide the butterfly vertically, we can see it is symmetrical

Symmetry Sometimes there are multiple lines of symmetry. How many can you find in the picture?

Symmetry in Nature Symmetry exists all around us. For Example – Look at yourself in the mirror, you are symmetrical from one side of the body to the other. Although, no one is perfectly symmetrical! Internally we also have two kidneys, two symmetrical rib cages, two lobes in the brain…etc. The Vitruvian Man. This is one of Leonardo Da Vinci’s more famous drawings showing symmetry of the human body.

Aesthetics Symmetry is very important when looking at the aesthetics of a structure. Aesthetics – The concept of how visually attractive or beautiful something is. When looking at aesthetics it is important to point out that there are some structures that reject symmetry as part of their design. Asymmetrical structures do not have any symmetry, and sometimes are appreciated by people because of their unique design.

Asymmetrical Design Hundertwasser rejects symmetry in his designs to create aesthetic appeal The Taj Mahal in India is designed to highlight the visual appeal of symmetry

Symmetry and Center of Gravity Symmetry is considered attractive, however, symmetry also usually means an increase in the structures stability because the dead load is spread out more evenly across the structure. Usually, in a symmetrical structure, the center of gravity is located along the line of symmetry…however… When a line of symmetry is drawn it is only a visual and does not always account for the structures center of gravity, as the structure may have different materials within it.

Symmetry and Center of Gravity Cont’d Hundertwasser rejects symmetry in his designs to create aesthetic appeal The center of gravity in this pyramid is located internally and through the line of symmetry

Ergonomics We use tools everyday to do work! How these tools are designed and utilized is part of the study of ergonomics. Ergonomics – The science of using knowledge of human characteristics to design structures and systems that are comfortable, safe, and efficient. Ergonomic design of different tools and workstations help reduce injuries in individuals and allow more efficient use of systems

Ergonomics Cont’d… Designers that create tools and workstations to function easier use a number of principles in their ergonomic design: 1. Tools and workstations should allow workers to change their positions regularly 2. Tools and workstations should reduce the amount of force or effort needed to complete a task 3. Tools and workstations should promote good posture for the body

Ergonomics Cont’d… Designers that create tools and workstations to function easier use a number of principles in their ergonomic design: 1. Tools and workstations should allow workers to change their positions regularly 2. Tools and workstations should reduce the amount of force or effort needed to complete a task 3. Tools and workstations should promote good posture for the body