Product design

What is product design?

The process of creating and developing a new product, including its functionality, aesthetics, and how it is manufactured.

What are the stages of product development?

The stages include research, design, prototyping, testing, and mass production.

What is user-centered design?

An approach that ensures the final product meets the needs and desires of users.

What is ergonomics in design?

The study of people's efficiency in their working environment, aiming to improve comfort and usability.

What is a prototype?

An initial model of a product used to test and validate concepts before full production.

What does sustainability mean in product design?

Designing products with consideration for their environmental impact and resource efficiency.

What is a design brief?

A document that outlines the objectives, constraints, and requirements of a product design project.

What is market research?

The process of gathering information about consumers' needs and preferences to inform product design.

What are the three types of materials in product design?

Metals, polymers, and ceramics.

What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time.

What is CAD?

Computer-Aided Design, technology used to create precision drawings and technical illustrations.

What is CAM?

Computer-Aided Manufacturing, the use of software to control machine tools and related machinery.

What is the importance of prototyping?

Prototyping allows designers to test ideas, gather user feedback, and refine the product.

What does 'failure analysis' mean?

The process of investigating product failure to enhance future designs.

What are the principles of good design?

Functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.

What is the purpose of a materials specification?

To detail the materials chosen for a product, including their properties and reasons for selection.

What is a stakeholder in product design?

Any individual or group with an interest in the product, including designers, customers, and manufacturers.

What is 'life cycle analysis'?

A method of assessing the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle.

What is the role of feedback in design?

Feedback is essential for improving and refining a product based on user experiences.

What is the golden ratio in design?

A mathematical ratio that is often found in nature and is used to create aesthetically pleasing designs.

What is product lifecycle management (PLM)?

The process of managing the entire lifecycle of a product from inception, through engineering design and manufacturing, to service and disposal.

What is aesthetic design?

The aspect of design that focuses on the visual appeal of a product.

What are prototypes often made from?

Prototypes may be made from materials like cardboard, foam, or rapid prototype materials.

What is a design iteration?

The repeated refinement of a product design through cycles of prototyping and feedback.

What is a user persona?

A fictional character that represents a segment of the target audience, used to guide design decisions.

What is the role of a designer in product development?

To create solutions that meet user needs while balancing functionality, aesthetics, and cost.

What is the difference between soft and hard materials?

Soft materials are flexible and pliable, while hard materials are rigid and strong.

What is industrial design?

A field that focuses on designing products that are to be manufactured through mass production.

What is usability testing?

Assessing how easy a product is to use by testing it with real users.

What is green design?

Designing products with environmental considerations, minimizing waste and pollution.

What is a design constraint?

Limitations or restrictions that affect the design process and outcomes.

What are the key properties of metals in design?

Strength, durability, malleability, and conductivity.

What does 'scalability' refer to in product design?

The ability of a product to be easily expanded or adapted for larger production runs.

What is design functionality?

How well a product performs its intended purpose.

What is a market segment?

A distinct subgroup of consumers within a larger market.

What is the role of branding in product design?

To create a distinct identity for a product that resonates with the target audience.

What is a mood board?

A visual inspiration collage that conveys a specific style or concept in design.

What are the design implications of using biodegradable materials?

Designs must consider how the material will break down and its environmental impact.

What is a 3D model?

A digital representation of a product that can be manipulated and viewed from different angles.

What does 'aesthetic appeal' refer to?

The attractiveness or beauty of a design.

What is consumer feedback?

Information provided by users about their experience with a product.

What does 'affordability' mean in product design?

The degree to which a product can be purchased by consumers based on its price.

What is design for manufacture (DFM)?

An engineering practice that focuses on designing products for ease of manufacturing.

What are composites?

Materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties.

What is design resilience?

A product's ability to withstand changes in conditions or user demands.

What are the advantages of using natural materials?

Sustainability, renewability, and often, superior aesthetics.

What is trend analysis in product design?

The process of identifying and analyzing trends to inform future product designs.

What are the social impacts of product design?

Effects of a product on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

What does 'prototyping' help to minimize?

Prototyping helps to minimize the risk of product failure by validating ideas.

What are the advantages of using 3D printing in product design?

Rapid prototyping, customization, and reduced waste.

What is customer-centric design?

An approach where the needs and preferences of customers drive the design process.

What does 'Product Design Specification' (PDS) mean?

A detailed description of a product's requirements and criteria for success.

What is the importance of color theory in design?

Helps designers choose color schemes that evoke certain emotions or reactions.

What is a Bill of Materials (BOM)?

A comprehensive list of materials and components required to build a product.

What does lifecycle sustainability assess?

The environmental impact of a product from creation to disposal.

What is the importance of design history?

Understanding past trends influences current practice and innovation.

What does 'user experience' (UX) involve?

The overall experience a user has with a product, including usability and accessibility.

What are the impacts of globalization on product design?

Increased competition, access to diverse materials, and the need for cultural awareness.

What is the significance of design sketches?

Sketches help convey ideas quickly and facilitate collaboration during design development.

What is a safety standard?

Regulations ensuring that products meet certain safety criteria.

What is inclusive design?

Designing products that are accessible and usable for people with various abilities.

What is a design audit?

A systematic review of a product's design against established criteria.

What is the significance of collaboration in design?

Collaboration promotes innovation and can lead to better solutions.

What is a design team?

A group of individuals working together to create a product design.

What is function vs. form in design?

The debate between prioritizing a product's usability (function) versus its aesthetic appeal (form).

What is a design challenge?

A problem that needs to be solved through innovative design solutions.

What role does technology play in product design?

Technology aids in creating designs, prototyping, and manufacturing efficiently.

What does 'user feedback loop' mean?

The continual process of gathering feedback from users and making adjustments to the design.

What is the relationship between design and culture?

Design reflects and influences cultural values and trends.

What is digital prototyping?

Creating a virtual model of a product using computer software.

What is the significance of storytelling in design?

Storytelling helps convey a product's purpose and emotional appeal to consumers.

What are the ethical considerations in product design?

Considerations include environmental impact, user safety, and fair labor practices.

What does 'design thinking' involve?

A user-centered approach to problem-solving that emphasizes empathy, ideation, and experimentation.

What is a value proposition in product design?

The unique value a product offers to its users compared to competitors.

What are performance metrics in product design?

Criteria used to measure the success and efficiency of a product.