Core knowledge and Understanding

 Market pull

refers to the demand from consumers that drives companies to innovate and develop new products.

Technology push

  occurs when advancements in technology drive the development of new products, even if there is not yet a clear market demand.

Consumer choice

 With the advent of new technologies, consumers have more options to choose from.

Introduction

This stage involves researching, developing, and launching a new product.

Growth

As the product gains acceptance, sales increase rapidly.

Maturity

Sales growth slows down as the product reaches market saturation.

Decline

 Sales begin to fall due to market saturation, technological advancements, or changing consumer preferences.

Global production

Manufacturing and distributing products on a global scale affect local economies, cultures, and labor markets.

Legislation

 Standards and regulations such as BSI (British Standards Institute) and ISO (International Standards Organization) ensure product safety, quality, and interoperability.

Sustainable resources

Using renewable or recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact.

Waste Materials

Implementing waste management practices to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste materials.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

 which deplete the ozone layer, in manufacturing processes.

Consumer Rights and Protection

Ensuring that consumers are informed about their rights regarding product safety, returns, and refunds.

Ethical Manufacturing

Addressing issues like fair wages, child labor, and working conditions.

Cultural Sensitivity

Companies need to understand and respect cultural differences when entering global markets.

Social Responsibility

Companies must consider their broader impact on society, including environmental stewardship, fair labor practices, and community engagement.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM)

involve the use of computer software and machinery to design and manufacture products.

Life Cycle Analysis

 is a method to assess the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction, production, and distribution to usage and disposal.

Renewable

Sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, wave, and tidal energy are sustainable and have lower environmental impacts.

Non-renewable

Fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as nuclear energy, are finite and contribute to environmental pollution and climate change.

SMA (Shape Memory Alloys)

 These alloys can return to their original shape after deformation when exposed to a specific temperature.

Polymorph

 A thermoplastic material that becomes moldable at low temperatures (around 62°C).

Photochromic

Materials that change color in response to light, used in products like photochromic lenses that darken in sunlight.

Thermochromic

Materials that change color with temperature changes, used in products like mood rings and temperature-sensitive baby spoons.

Micro-encapsulation

Involves embedding tiny capsules containing substances such as fragrances, insect repellents, or vitamins within materials, allowing controlled release over time.

Biometrics

Materials that respond to biological stimuli, often used in medical and wearable technology for monitoring and diagnostics.