T1 - DT in Our World

Mass Production

Mass Production

Hundreds or thousands of the same product are produced (typically on production lines)

Assembly lines

Line of workers and equipment in a factory. Gradually assembled as it moves through each stage of the line

Automated production

Use of automatically controlled equipment or machinery to manufacture products

Impact of Emerging Technologies on Industry and Enterprise

• Electricity allowed mass production of products of assembly lines, so products could be produced more quickly and economically

• Developments allow automated production, and use of robots for repetitive tasks

Market Pull

A new product is produced in response to demand from the market

Technology Push

Development in materials, components or manufacturing methods leads to development of new products

Life Cycle

Stages a product goes through from initial idea to disposal

Market Pull in Detail

• Development of new products of new products in response to demands from users

• Designers produce new or revitalised products driven by the needs and wants of the users

• Mobile Phones - Result of people wanting a way to contact eachother

Technology Push

• Development in materials, components, or manufacturing methods lead to new products being developed

• Tables and Smartphones - Development in smaller, more efficient and quicker electronics

Development of New Materials

• Example of Technology Push

• Graphite - Strength, Lightweight, Flexibility, Transparency, Conduction

Consumer Choice

• Designers and manufacturers aim to ensure that people want or need the product they design

• Technologies can influence consumer choice

Product Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

• 4 Stages a product goes through from it’s initial introduction to the market until it's replaced or withdrawn

4 Stages of Life Cycle Analysis

1. Introduction

2. Growth

3. Maturity

4. Decline

Introduction (LCA)

• New products are launched and are heavily publicised so consumers are aware of the product.

• Could be a revision of a product, or a new one

Growth

Once products are available, sales grow as more people become aware of it, and buy it to replace previous products or older models

Maturity

• Sales of products reach their peak.

• Companies want this stage to last for as long as possible to maximise sales

Decline

• Interested consumers have already bought the product, or a new model will be available

• Sales will begin to fall