2.5 - Critical analysis

P2 - Design + making

SWOT analysis

the process of evaluating the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats

• of a business venture, project, or product

purpose of SWOT analysis

• identifies strengths and weaknesses

• explores possible opportunities for design

• looks at threats to success

• can use it to guide further development

need for critical analysis

• allows improvements or modifications to be made

• establishes success of design

• enable suitability for production

SWOT - strengths

features that make the product unique or give out a competitive edge

• e.g. decorative details

• e.g. product quality

SWOT - weaknesses

features that are inferior to other current products

• whether the product is suitable for the target market

SWOT - opportunities

what changes could be made to make the product more competitive/attract a different target market

• e.g. using new tech/modern materials

SWOT - threats

the possible risks that could adversely affect the success of the product

• problems in manufacturing

• changes in competitors products

• change in demand

• change in attitude

prototype

the first version of a design to see if it works as intended

• finds out if improvements are necessary

evaluating products in commercial context

products need to be carefully tested and evaluated before entering the market

• must ensure they are fit for purpose

• must perform to required specification

after the final prototype is produced

• commercial version is and using production line techniques/processes

• if successful - a standard is established

• furniture samples from the production line are tested against the standard

• ensures consistent quality

specialised garment testing

performance tested in the lab or outdoors

• done under the conditions they re designed for

• e.g. wearing a lightweight jacket for running

third party feedback

objective observations from people not involved in the design, creation or promotion of a product

value of third party feedback

• it is an objective, independent evaluation of the product

• reflects unbiased views

• will increase chances of success

quantitive interviews

facts and brief answers collected from target market

• face to face or telephone interviews

qualitative interviews

feature indirect or open questions based on a topic

• gets the interviewee to fully explain their point of view

methods to get feedback during the design process

• discussions with potential customers in focus groups/customer panels

• short quantitive interviews or more in depth qualitative interviews

• marketing strategies like social media - encourage customers to review products