PDT

What is a target market?

A target market is the specific group of people a product or service is designed for — the audience a business aims to reach because they are most likely to buy it.

how is a target market related in product design

In product design, the target market is crucial because it guides every decision about how the product should look, function, and be used.

So basically, the target market shapes the entire design so the end product fits the people it’s meant for.

What are four examples of how a target market influences the design process

• Design choices match user needs

• Solves the right problems

• Improves usability

• Ensures succes

definition for how Design choices match user needs

• Design choices match user needs: Knowing the target market helps designers choose the right materials, size, features, colours, and style that suit the people who will use the product.

relation between target audience and how it Solves the right problems

• Solves the right problems: Designers focus on the specific problems or desires of that group so the product is actually useful.

relation between target audience and Improves usability

• Improves usability: Understanding the target market’s age, abilities, preferences, and environment helps designers make the product comfortable and easy to use.

relation between target audience and Ensures success

• Ensures success: A product designed with its target audience in mind is more likely to be appealing, effective, and successful.

What are environmental impacts 

Environmental impacts are the negative effects an action, product, or process has on the natural environment.

What are environmental benefits

Environmental benefits are the positive effects that help protect or improve the environment.

what are some examples of Environmental Impacts (Negative)

• Pollution

• Resource depletion

• Energy consumption and carbon emissions

• Waste production

• Habitat destruction or harm to wildlife

what are some examples of Environmental Benefits (Positive)

• Using sustainable or recycled materials

• Reducing waste through efficient design

• Lower energy use

• Reducing pollution

• Protecting ecosystems and conserving resources

• Designing products that last longer or can be reused/recycled

what is a technological innovation

A technological innovation is a new or improved technology that makes something work better, faster, easier, or more efficiently than before.

is a technological innovation a completely new design or an upgrade to existing technology? 

It can be both

Constraints definition

Constraints are non-negotiable limits that the design must follow.
If you break a constraint, the design fails.

Considerations definition

Considerations are important things to think about, but they are more flexible.
Designers use them to help improve the product, but they are not strict rules.

examples of constraints

• Budget limit

• Time limit

• Safety requirements

• Material availability

• Size or weight restrictions

• School or industry rules

examples of considerations

• Aesthetic appeal

• User comfort

• Environmental impact

• Cultural preferences

• How easy it is to use

simple way of thinking about constraints and considerations

• Constraints = must follow

• Considerations = should think about

whats an end user

An end user is the person who will actually use the final product.

They are the people the product is designed for, and their needs, preferences, and abilities guide the design process.

what are end user needs

End-user needs are the things the user requires from a product for it to be useful, comfortable, and effective for them.
They describe what the user expects the product to do and how it should support them.

What are examples of end user needs

• Functionality

• Safety

• Comfort & usability

• Aesthetics

• Durability

• Affordability

• Sustainability

How does Functionality relate to an end user 

• Functionality: what the product must do (e.g., cut wood accurately).

How does  Safety  relate to an end user 

• Safety: the product must be safe to use.

How does  Comfort & usability  relate to an end user 

• Comfort & usability: easy to hold, easy to understand, not confusing.

How does  Aesthetics  relate to an end user 

• Aesthetics: it looks appealing or suits their style.

How does Durability   relate to an end user 

• Durability: it lasts a long time and doesn’t break easily.

How does  Affordability:  relate to an end user 

• Affordability: it fits the user's budget.

How does  Sustainability  relate to an end user 

• Sustainability: eco-friendly materials or low waste.

what is a double diamond approach

The Double Diamond approach is a design process model that helps designers solve problems creatively and effectively. It has two diamonds (four stages), showing how you first expand your thinking, then narrow it down.

What are the four stages

1. Discover (Diverge)

2. Define (Converge)

3. Develop (Diverge)

4. Deliver (Converge)

1. Discover (Diverge)

You explore the problem, research, and gather information.
Goal: understand what the real problem is.

2. Define (Converge)

You analyse what you found and narrow it down to a clear problem statement.
Goal: decide exactly what needs to be solved.

3. Develop (Diverge)

You brainstorm, sketch, prototype, and explore different ideas.
Goal: create lots of possible solutions.

4. Deliver (Converge)

You test, refine, and pick the best solution to finalise.
Goal: produce the final design.

what is critical and creative thinking

Critical and creative thinking are two types of thinking used together to solve problems and generate good ideas.

Creative thinking generates ideas.
Critical thinking improves and selects the best ones.

Creative thinking def

Creative thinking is about coming up with new, imaginative, or original ideas.
It’s flexible, open-minded, and encourages exploring many possibilities.

Critical thinking def

Critical thinking is about analysing, evaluating, and judging ideas carefully.
It helps you decide which ideas actually work and why.

example of creative thinking

• Brainstorming new design ideas

• Thinking outside the box

• Using imagination to create something unique

example of critical thinking 

• Weighing pros and cons

• Spotting problems or flaws

• Making logical decisions based on evidence

what is primary and secondary research

Primary and secondary research are two ways of gathering information for a project or design.

What is primary research

Primary research is information you collect yourself directly from the source.

Primary research = new information you gather firsthand.

What is secondary research

Secondary research is information someone else has already collected that you use.

Secondary research = information you find that already exists.

example of primary research

• Surveys

• Interviews

• Observations

• Experiments

• Testing prototypes

example of secondary research

• Websites

• Books

• Articles

• Reports

• Videos

• Existing data or statistics

what are materials

Materials are the substances or components used to make a product.

They can be natural, synthetic, or a combination, and their properties affect how the product looks, feels, and works.

examples of materials 

• Wood

• Metal 

• Plastic 

• Glass 

• Fabric/Textiles 

• Composites 

what is evaluation criteria

Evaluation criteria are the rules or measures used to check if a product meets its purpose and user needs.

Examples of Evaluation Criteria

• Functionality – does it work as intended?

• Safety – is it safe to use?

• Durability – does it last?

• Aesthetics – does it look good?

• Usability – is it easy and comfortable to use?

• Cost – is it affordable for the target user?

• Sustainability – is it eco-friendly?

What does Improving or modifying a product mean

Improving or modifying a product means making changes to meet user needs better, solve problems, or make it more appealing and effective.

How could you Improving or modifying a product

• enhance functionality – add features or make it work better.
  Example: making a backpack waterproof.

• Increase usability – make it easier or more comfortable to use.
  Example: adding ergonomic handles to a tool.

• Improve aesthetics – update the look, colour, or style.
  Example: modernising a lamp design.

• Use better materials – make it stronger, lighter, or more sustainable.
  Example: replacing plastic parts with recycled materials.

• Reduce cost or energy use – make it cheaper to produce or more energy-efficient.

• Increase safety – remove hazards or add protective features.
  Example: adding rounded corners to furniture.

• Incorporate feedback – listen to users and fix problems they report.

what are ethics in products

Ethics in products are the moral principles that guide how a product is designed, made, and used to ensure it’s safe, fair, and responsible.

They involve considering the impact on people, society, and the environment.

Examples of Ethics in Products

• Safety: making sure the product won’t harm users.

• Fairness: not exploiting workers in production.

• Honesty: truthful advertising and labelling.

• Sustainability: using eco-friendly materials and reducing waste.

• Accessibility: designing for people with different abilities.

what is cultural sensitivity in design

Cultural sensitivity in design is when a product or design respects and reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of different cultures. It ensures the product is appropriate, inclusive, and doesn’t offend or exclude anyone.

Examples of Cultural Sensitivity

• Using colours, symbols, or images that have positive or neutral meanings in the target culture.

• Avoiding designs that stereotype or appropriate cultural elements.

• Considering cultural practices or needs in functionality.
  Example: designing kitchen tools suitable for local cooking methods.

• Including diverse representation in marketing and packaging.

How can aboriginal culture be incorporated in designs

Aboriginal culture in design is using Aboriginal stories, symbols, and traditions respectfully to inspire meaningful and authentic designs.

how to use aboriginal culture respectfully in designs

Using Aboriginal culture respectfully means creating designs that honour, involve, and accurately represent the culture, without misusing or stereotyping it.

how is qualitative and quantitative data used in designs

In design, qualitative and quantitative data help designers understand users and improve products.

Qualitative Data in Design def and purpose

• Definition: Descriptive information about users’ feelings, experiences, and preferences.

• Purpose: Helps designers understand why a user likes or dislikes a product.

Quantitative Data in Design def and purpose

• Definition: Numerical information that can be measured.

• Purpose: Helps designers make decisions based on measurable facts.

Examples of Qualitative Data in Design

• User interviews about how a tool feels in hand

• Observing how someone uses a chair or app

• Feedback on colours, style, or comfort

Examples of Quantitative Data in Design

• Measuring how long it takes to assemble a product

• Counting how many users press a certain button

• Recording the weight or size of a product