Topic 12: Further processes and techniques

What is user-centred design?

A design approach that focuses on meeting the needs wants and values of the end user throughout the entire design process

What is the framework process in user-centred design?

A structured process involving research design testing evaluation and iteration

What is problem solving in design?

The process of identifying issues and developing solutions that meet specific requirements

What are user needs?

Essential requirements a product must fulfil to function properly

What are user wants?

Preferences that improve user satisfaction but are not essential

What are user values?

Beliefs or priorities that influence user decisions such as sustainability or cost

What is a limitation of user-centred design?

It may restrict innovation by focusing too heavily on existing user expectations

What is the circular economy?

An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and continually reusing resources

What are biologically-based systems in a circular economy?

Systems where materials safely biodegrade and return to the environment

How does the circular economy reduce waste?

By reusing repairing recycling and remanufacturing materials instead of discarding them

Why is the circular economy important in product design?

It reduces environmental impact and conserves resources

What is systems thinking?

An approach that considers how all parts of a system interact and work together

Why is systems thinking important in manufacturing?

It ensures efficiency coordination and optimisation across all processes

How does systems thinking influence commercial activity?

It ensures all elements of a manufacturing enterprise work together effectively

What is critical path analysis (CPA)?

A project management tool used to plan and schedule complex tasks by identifying the longest sequence of dependent activities

What is the critical path?

The sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible project duration

What happens if a critical path task is delayed?

The entire project completion time is delayed

What is slack time?

The amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the overall project

Why is CPA useful?

It helps manage time sensitive operations and improves project efficiency

Give one disadvantage of CPA

It can be complex and time consuming to create and manage

What is scrum?

An agile project management method that focuses on flexible iterative product development

What are sprints in scrum?

Short development cycles where specific tasks are completed

Why is scrum considered holistic?

It considers the whole project and adapts continuously based on feedback

Give one advantage of scrum

Allows flexibility and rapid response to changes

Give one disadvantage of scrum

Requires strong teamwork and communication to be effective

What is Six Sigma?

A quality management methodology aimed at improving output quality by reducing defects

What is the purpose of Six Sigma?

To identify and remove causes of defects and improve processes

What does Six Sigma aim to reduce?

Process cycle time pollution and costs

What does Six Sigma aim to increase?

Customer satisfaction and profits

How does Six Sigma improve quality?

By reducing variation and defects in processes

Give one disadvantage of Six Sigma

Requires training and can be costly to implement

What is a product life cycle?

The stages a product goes through from development to withdrawal from the market

What are the four stages of the product life cycle?

Introduction growth maturity decline

What characterises the introduction stage?

Low sales high costs high risk and heavy promotion

What characterises the growth stage?

Increasing sales rising profits and expanding market share

What characterises the maturity stage?

Peak sales market saturation and increased competition

What characterises the decline stage?

Falling sales reduced demand and product withdrawal

Why is understanding the product life cycle important?

It helps designers and manufacturers plan production marketing and redesign strategies

How does the product life cycle affect profit?

Profit is low initially rises in growth peaks in maturity and falls in decline

How does the product life cycle affect design decisions?

Products may be redesigned or improved to extend their life cycle

How does the product life cycle influence marketing?

Marketing is highest in introduction and adjusted as the product progresses

What is planned obsolescence?

Designing a product with a limited lifespan to encourage repeat purchases

Why is planned obsolescence controversial?

It increases waste and environmental impact

What is a design strategy?

A structured method used to guide the design process and decision making

Why are design strategies important?

They improve efficiency organisation and outcomes in product development

What is iterative design?

A cyclical process of designing testing evaluating and refining a product

Why is iterative design important?

It improves product performance and ensures it meets user needs

How does iteration link to user-centred design?

User feedback is used repeatedly to refine and improve designs