Section A- New and emerging technologies (3.1.1)

automation

enables repetitive tasks to be performed by mechanised assembly lines rather than by human - it helps meet increased demands for products

robots

can be controlled to automatically perform a series of complex movements - they can be used to substitute humans in hazardous/harmful environments

crowd funding

is the use of small amounts of capital from many individuals to finance a new business venture

virtual marketing

includes the use of social media, websites, email, and digital marketing to reach a wider audience and client base in order to promote a product, service or idea

fair trade

is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in less economically developed countries

a cooperative

is an enterprise that is commonly owned and run by its members who may comprise its workforce or its customers - have a stronger democratic voice

finite resources

are in limited in supply and are being used more quickly than can be replaced e.g. fossil fuels

non-finite resources

are in abundant supply and are unlikely ever to be exhausted e.g. solar and wind energy

life cycle assessment

is a way for companies to assess the environmental impact of a product during the different stages of a product's life

stages of the LCA

1. extraction and processing
2. manufacturing and production
3. distribution
4. use
5. end of life

pollution

introduces harmful materials into the environment

technology push

when new technology becomes available, designers will utilise it to make a product before the market is aware of it

market pull

when the market needs a product, designers will make something to meet that demand.

efficient working

methods to improve efficiency and productivity are adopted by businesses to reduce costs, energy usage and impact on the environment.

continuous improvement

many manufacturers make small but continuous improvements to their processes and workflow

global warming

An increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere (especially a sustained increase that causes climatic changes)

Just in time production

manufacturers use this method to respond to customer demand - by closely monitoring stock, products can be reordered as needed

lean manufacturing

focuses on minimising waste and improving efficiency, which is in turn cost saving and reduces the use of resources

CAD

Computer Aided Design

CAM

Computer Aided Manufacture

planned obsolescence

a deliberate strategy to ensure that a current version of a product will become out of date or worn out within a given time frame

fossil fuels

gas, coal, oil

advantage and disadvantage of fossil fuels

a - cheap and reliable energy source

d - contain high amounts of carbon - global warming

advantage and disadvantage of CAD

a - accurate

d - expensive

renewable energy

wind power, tidal power, solar panels, biomass energy, hydroelectric power

modern materials

titanium, graphene, metal foam, liquid crystal display, coated metals, nanomaterials

Efficient working

Methods to improve efficiency and productivity. Done to reduce costs. e.g. invest in training staff and improving work practices, reducing waste and automation.

Changing job roles

Technology in work place leads to continual change. But it often leads to reduction of manual labour. The workforce can be retrained for new positions with new technologies, often making them more skilled.

Culture

An amalgamation of the ideas, beliefs, customs and social behaviours of a society or group of people.

Fashion trends.

They come and go. The design market is influenced by the 'latest thing' . When a new product is endorsed it can recieve very rapid customer response.

Faiths and beliefs

A designer must be responsible for considering the wider implications of a new product within different faiths and community and also while meeting the needs of different groups of society.

Inclusive design

Products are often designed for the average person. However, it is important that a product can be used by as many people as possible e.g. elderly and disabled.

Flexible manufacturing system (FMS)

is a method of production designed to easily adapt to change in the quantity or type of product being manufactured (for batch production) e.g. by having a good production plan or managing their stock inventory.

Just in time production pros

* Products are made to order.
* Stock doesn't become old or out of date.
* More factory space can be utilised for other activites.
* Materials and components are ordered as needed- controlling cash flow.

Just in time production cons

* The supply chain must be reliable and fast.
* Sales are affected by any delay or product failures.
* Costs are higher as ordering in small quantities prevents bulk order discounts.

Ethics

Designers should see how their product will affect the environment with a LSA.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations in UK

* Promote reuse and minimise waste from their electrical equipment.
* Ensure waste products are recycled correctly and meet recovery targets.
* Design products by reducing material use and enhancing reusability and recyclability.

Envrionment

Designs should include end-of-life recycling and takeback programmes as part of their planning.

Design for maintenance

This enables wore out/ broken parts to be replaces. Repairing is positive for the envrionment as it saves the whole product from being thrown away. It also creates jobs for spare parts.

Design for disassembly

The design process is continually being assessed to address the selection of materials so that at the end of its life a product can be disassembled and components and materials recycled or reused.