3.2.1 Selection of materials or components

Which factors should be considered when selecting materials or components?

FASECASE: functionality, aesthetics, environmental factors, availability, cost, social factors, cultural factors, ethical factors

How would functionality be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers must ensure chosen material is fit for its purpose.

They need to understand the purpose of the end product; will the material do the job it's selected for and will it be easy to work with?

How would aesthetics be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers need to consider Aesthetic Factors like Shape, Size, Colour, Surface finish and Texture.

It should appeal to the target market.

How would environmental factors be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers should aim to limit the environmental impact of product.

1. Is it possible to use a sustainable material?
2. Can the materials be transported locally?
3. How easy is it to extract and transport the materials?
4. Can they be reused, recycled, biodegradeable?

How would availability be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers must consider the availability of a material. Issues with supply can affect the price of the end-product.

Are the materials easy to source?
Are they widely available and quick to deliver?
Are they supplied in stock forms and sizes?

How would cost be considered when selecting materials or components?

selling price includes cost of raw materials, manufacturing costs, packaging, distribution and sellers' costs, percentage of total added for profit

Too cheap: no profit, too expensive: no one will buy it. some products are made for budget or 'value' markets so will use cheaper materials/manufacturing processes

demand for a product may influence its selling price

What are the benefits of bulk buying?

when materials or products are bought in large quantities, they usually cost less per unit that buying just a few. this is because the costs of setting up the manufacturing are the same no matter how many are made.

How would social factors be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers have social responsibility to consider what impact their products may have on the environment.

Factors include:

1. Using materials from sustainable sources
2. Sourcing materials that have a positive impact on farmers and workers
3. Reducing the use of unethically sourced materials that harm the environment
4. Using recycled products

How would cultural factors be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers should consider ideas and customs of different cultures of society.

Gender, religion, wealth affect lifestyle and choices.

Views of one culture may vary from another. This can be as simple as the choice of colour, or how the product is named or advertised.

How would ethical factors be considered when selecting materials or components?

Designers should consider needs of user; understand their requirements and make their product solve these problems.

Designers should:
1. Consider human rights
2. Make something functional, reliable and usable
3. Consider the users experience and make life better

Manufacturers should avoid unethical materials that exploit workforce or damage environment.
e.g. Stewardship Council Logo (FSC) show it comes from sustainable source, from forests.

Examples for functionality

• Child toy: light, bright, acrylic better than metal

• Cupboards and tables: rigid, timber

• Radiators and pans: conduct heat, metal

• Hardwoods are better at resisting decay

• Metals corrode without coating

• Polymers crack and scratch easily

Examples for aesthetics

• Child toy: easily coloured, bright, polymer

• Garden furniture: strong, long-lasting, metal

• Chair: rigid, allows curved shapes, timber

• Lampshade: attractive with and without light

Examples for environmental factors

• Timber from managed forests is recycled and reused easily - renewable

• Plastics reused and recycled easily

• Reusing plastic, metal and glass

• Use of energy

• Easily repaired - less made

• Where it’s used - location

• Good quality materials extend the product’s life

Examples for availability

• Different trees grow at different speeds

• Natural events change availability - e.g. volcanoes, hurricanes

• Bespoke is less available than other types of production

Examples for cost

• The initial price of raw materials affects the end price

• Complex manufacturing processes and finishes increase prices significantly

• Traditional woodworking skills cost more as time-consuming and need a finish

• Most polymers are self-finishing, take less time, cheaper

• Materials need to be appropriate

Examples for social factors

• Computers and robots allow products to be made quicker, cheaper and more accurate

• Many people in poverty: can’t afford the best quality

• Elderly people may struggle with certain products

Examples for cultural factors

• Colour and decoration may be unique

• e.g. Japanese people eat on the floor, different furniture needed

• Gender can affect style, colour and design

Examples for ethical factors

• Cheap labour leads to pollution and exploitation

• Deforestation leads to global warming which causes extinction

• Ethically sourced timbers reduce environmental damage

• Worker protection is ethical

• Correct disposal is important

Analyse and evaluate how aesthetics are considered in the design of the modern vacuum cleaners shown in the photo. (4)