2.  Companies consider 3 important sets of factors before they build a new product or redesign and existing product: 1. Design 2. Manufacturing 3. Sales Let’s use the example of a company that wants to produce and sell backpacks. What factors does the company think about when planning?

3.  The designers and managers brainstorm to decide what factors to consider. These are some examples: › Individual users – create one for all or differentiate? › Society – environmental/social concerns › Economy – made in Canada vs. low cost overseas › Environment – recyclable materials? › Safety/Health – best size to prevent health problems › Legal – concern for lawsuits, insurance › Can you think of anymore?

4.  Good ideas? Discuss.

5.  In addition to design, the company considers manufacturing factors: › Suitability of materials: waterproof, durability, attractiveness, hard vs. soft, etc. › Availability and cost of materials: cost of manufacturing in Canada vs. concerns for workers’ rights/safety/environmental conditions elsewhere. › Shipping costs: how to keep low? › Disposal: should backpacks be durable or wear out so replacements are needed?

6.  To sell a product, the company must consider the following: › Packaging design, displays and labeling: protecting product, attracting customers, advertising identity › Sale price: price determines who can afford, cost of making product important › Advertising: informs potential customers › Customer Support: after sale of product

7.  How a product is displayed can attract customers:

9.  Homework assignment:  1. Choose a product recently purchased by your family that represents a structure.  2. What considerations did the company make when designing the product?  3. Where is the product manufactured? Why do you think the company chose that place? What materials have been used?  4. How has the company marketed the product to attract buyers? (media/science)