Analysing+Products

=Under Wraps - identifying design criteria=

Get someone (your Teacher...!) to hide a diverse range of products underneath a blanket. Working together with one or two colleagues, select a product, unseen, from the range available.
 * [[image:underwraps.jpg width="162" height="127"]] ||  || This strategy takes its’ name from the automotive industry where an element of surprise and anticipation is created by keeping the product ‘under wraps’. The aim of the activity is to help you to develop your 'designerly' thinking through product analysis activities that establish and prioritise the design criteria for successful products. ||
 * Using the strategy :**

Through discussion, establish a range of ‘design criteria’ necessary for the success of the product in meeting its prescribed need and scribble these down as you think of them onto a large sheet of paper.

It might help at this stage to think in terms of .......
 * What must the product do to be successful?
 * //What must the product not do?//

Through further discussion, group these criteria under the headings given on the 'Developing Design Criteria' sheet shown below. Try to identify those criteria which you think are ‘essential’ (E) and those which are only ‘desirable’ (D). This may be tougher than it sounds ....! · identify criteria that are not being fully met ? · identify at least one improvement that could be made to the product ? · suggest reasons why this has not been done? · draw up a design brief for an improved version of the product?
 * You should then ask yourselves if you can :**

· the conflicting demands placed on the designer · issues related to form and function · user centred design · focus groups - targetted users · choice of materials and processes · qualitative and quantitative judgements that could lead into work on product design specifications
 * Subsequent discussion can focus on a number of issues including for example**

=Back= = =