In the exam it may also ask you about the product life cycle.
State one advantage of following a product cycle graph for
The designer- shows at what stage to introduce modifications to product
The manufacturer- to see how well a product is selling and when to update and replace it, increase/decrease production
There are 5 diiferent stages to the product life cycle these are:
1. Introduction
The product is introduced in small numbers, highly priced, exclusive item
2. Rise
The product is advertised, begins to develop in popularity, details simplified and cheaper versions produced
3. Peak / maturity
Saturation point is reached most consumers will have bought it by now, the product is readily available at affordable process through mass production
4. Decline
The sales fall and the chair is sold at discount process in the sales
5. Obsolescence
The product is no longer manufactured
The product is introduced in small numbers, highly priced, exclusive item
2. Rise
The product is advertised, begins to develop in popularity, details simplified and cheaper versions produced
3. Peak / maturity
Saturation point is reached most consumers will have bought it by now, the product is readily available at affordable process through mass production
4. Decline
The sales fall and the chair is sold at discount process in the sales
5. Obsolescence
The product is no longer manufactured
This exam question normally has big marks. You will be expected to write half a page about this.
Exam questions
Why is it important that designers are environmentally friendly?
Why is it important designers reduce, reuse and recycle?
You should include in your answer about land fills, global warming, excessive packaging, use of renewable resources rather then non-renewable
What environmental issues would there be if a company distributed product globally rather then locally?
You should include in your answer about carbon footprint, air miles, pollution
