In this unit we are going to look at importance of design specification. We are going to: look at the function of design specifications. deciding which specification points are important. content of a design specification.

In this unit we have combined the expertise on three individuals to show you how they use design specifications. I have my own design company and I will show you how commercial designers work. I have taught pupils how to design for a number of years, testing a number of strategies Having worked as a graphic designers, I have combined some of the methods we used there with ones we use in the department.

Appearance Safety Price Durability Weight Sustainability Function Size Recap We have seen how important it is to make a design specification clear. Containing enough information so that the designer knows exactly what the products needs to do and look like. Lets investigate each specification point in further detail :

Appearance/aesthetics Which bag do you prefer? Make a list of 5 things you like about the appearance of this bag. Maybe some of the following features : Outline shape Lots of pockets Colour Texture Type of material Style details – zips, tags etc The appearance of the product is the first and most obvious feature to the consumer. The consumer can decide immediately whether he/she likes the product or not by looking at it, without handling it or even using it.

Function Will the bag need to be… easy to find things? large enough? easy to carry around? water resistant? special compartments for different equipment? easy to clean? hardwearing? Task – what style features would the ‘ultimate school bag’ – need to have to function effectively. Make a quick list. For products to work effectively, their function/s need to be clearly identified before starting the design.

Size Big bags are always better !! What do you think? Size needs to relate to: function of the product size and shape of what it needs to store – consider measurement size/shape of the user

Safety How can we improve the safety features of this bag?

Sustainability Text to be added later?

What will be the product’s effect on the environment? Will it be possible to recycle the product at the end of its life? Will processes that are safe to the environment be used in the manufacture of the product? Will the product be made from materials which are eco- friendly? Sustainability This is an old info -

Durability How can you make this bag more durable? Some products are designed with the knowledge that they will become outdated very quickly. Can you think of any?

Weight Why is the weight of the bag an important factor to think about ?

Ergonomics Which rucksack would you select and why? To make products function effectively a designer needs to consider: the size and shape of the user the task the product needs to do These aspects are referred to ergonomic considerations.

The following influences the price of a product: cost of materials. quantity of material used? time taken to manufacture production processes transportation marketing/packaging Price Does the price of the product influence your choice? Diamond bling bag – mega bucks Some-bling bag – some bucks