IB Design Technology Topic 9 & 10 Vocab

Brand

An item or service associated with a specific source, often recognized by its name or identity.

Brand loyalty

A situation where someone repeatedly chooses the same provider instead of alternatives.

Competition-based pricing

A method of setting charges by comparing them to similar offerings already available.

Corporate social responsibility

A voluntary approach where an organization sets goals related to economic, social, and environmental well-being.

Cost-plus pricing

A method of determining charges by adding a percentage on top of total expenses involved in creating something.

Demand pricing

A method of setting charges based on how much interest or desire there is for something.

Environmental scanning

Analyzing political, economic, social, and technological factors that could influence an organization or industry.

Expert appraisal

Relying on the specialized knowledge or evaluation of someone with professional experience.

Imitative strategy

Creating something that resembles an already existing recent offering.

Literature search

Gathering information from sources like reports, articles, reference materials, or manufacturer data.

Market development

Finding new uses or audiences for existing offerings to broaden reach.

Market penetration

Increasing usage or purchases among current buyers.

Market research

Collecting and studying information about people or organizations to support decision-making.

Market sector

A broad category used to group similar types of buyers or needs.

Market segment

A smaller subgroup within a larger category that shares similar traits or preferences.

Marketing mix

Four key considerations used to guide planning: what is offered, where it is offered, how much it costs, and how it is promoted.

Perceptual mapping

A visual tool used to compare how different offerings are viewed relative to each other.

Pioneering strategy

Introducing something new before any other competitors.

Product development

Creating new or improved offerings, often targeted at current customers.

Product diversification

Expanding what an organization offers in order to increase revenue from new areas.

Product family

A set of related items grouped together because they share similar characteristics or components.

Product line pricing

Setting different charges for items within the same range based on how they compare to each other.

Product standardisation

Creating consistent features or specifications across an item, system, or service.

Promotion

Methods used to share information about an offering with potential users or the general public.

Psychological pricing

Setting charges in a way that influences perception, often making something seem more affordable than it is.

Registered design

A type of legal protection covering the appearance of an item, including its shape, configuration, or decorative aspects.

User research

Gathering insights from individuals through surveys, questionnaires, or interviews to understand their needs and behaviors.

User trial

Watching individuals interact with an item or system to evaluate how it performs in real conditions.

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)

A production approach that links digital systems with operational activities to increase efficiency.

Cost-effectiveness

Achieving results in a way that maximizes benefit while minimizing resource use.

Environmental impact assessment matrix

A framework used to evaluate and anticipate how an item or process might affect the natural world.

Just in case (JIC)

Keeping extra items available as backup in situations where delays or urgent requests might occur.

Just in time (JIT)

A method where items are obtained or produced only when needed, reducing storage requirements.

Kaizen

A philosophy focused on ongoing small improvements as part of long-term organizational development.

Lead time

The duration between starting an action and its completion.

Lean production

A long-term approach aimed at minimizing waste and improving processes through steady, incremental changes.

Quality assurance (QA)

A structured process that ensures planning, documentation, and oversight are in place so outcomes meet required standards.

Quality control (QC)

Checking and verifying that outcomes meet expectations during or after they are created.

Statistical process control (SPC)

A technique using data and statistical methods to monitor and optimize how consistently a process performs.

Value for money

How well the usefulness or benefits of something compare to the amount spent on it.

Value stream mapping

A tool that illustrates all steps involved in creating and delivering an item, helping identify improvements.

Workflow analysis

Examining the steps involved in a sequence of tasks to find opportunities for enhancement.