3. Existing product research:
1. How is the product field merchandised overall?
The radio, being an electronic product, is merchandised within large and small businesses. It is retailed on shelving, within packaging and cardboard, and wrapping, to prevent
damages and to ensure it is distributed safely. The packaging also retails the product in the form of advertisement be expressing the key features of the internal item and its
benefits as a point of sale. Radios are retailed in businesses such as Tesco, where numerous forms of designs would be exhibited alongside along side pricing. Radios would be
advertised on television as a means to grasp consumer interest, however in today’s marketing world radios aren’t advertised as much purely because music can be provided
from more technical products , (Apple products, MP3 players and mobile phones).
2. What’s the immediate brandscape of competitive brands surrounding your own?
The market for radios is highly competitive with companies such as Phillips, Sony and PURE. Existing products look clean and easy to use, as consumers are attracted to
products that look good. Existing brands are hard to challenge as the market is huge, so identifying a new solution requires looking towards existing ones and finding a
problem which perhaps could be fixed or changed. An example is how some of them feature a docking station for the I phone, (perhaps my solution could look further beyond
the I phone and look towards other products in which can be involved within the design). Consumers purchase these products purely because of the recognized brands; they
are reliable and trust worthy, (they own consumer loyalty and recognition).
3. How orderly or chaotic is the overall visual impression of the sector?
The market for radios years ago was highly chaotic, but has now been suppressed to orderly, purely because they do not sell anymore (progression of technology). Below is a
good example of how the sector has progressed, from very vintage designs from 70 odd years ago to highly technical designs which are touch screen such as the Phillips radio.
Radios today give the impression they are almost made obsolete because of how they are incorporated with other products such as phones; many phones feature applications
in which enable its users to listen to wireless radio on the move. Many consumers may find that the product is very attractive, but it isn’t needed necessarily as it is only a
single based product. If all past radios where made obsolete and touch screen radios where the ‘new form’ of listening to music, then this trend would increase. The present
trend/ style of listening to music is products such as an I-Pod. Products such as this are difficult to overlap, however it is always possible to make a new form of radio that
inherits this existent idea upon many other (idea to power the radio being another).
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
4. PURE:
•Qualities of PURE’s designs are that they look
good, designed in a contemporary fashion and
look simple. These designs sell well mainly
because of these contributing factors.
•Weaknesses of these models are that they are
expensive and costly, in terms of design
because of the materials selected as well as the
technology. The second design is highly
technical, however this would be high in power
as well; not very eco friendly.
PHILLIPS:
•Qualities of PHILLIPS radios is that they look
very high tech and clean. They are simple in
terms of look and functionality; not many
buttons and big, spacious areas on the
interface.
•Weaknesses of these models are the choice
of materials; are they strong enough to
withstand use and waterproof? The material
looks weak therefore poor strength. The
design wouldn’t fit within all environments
either, as all users have different
environments.
SONY:
•Qualities of SONY radios such as these designs
are that they don’t use many functions,
materials or complicated designs.
•Weaknesses of these models are that the
buttons are too small and difficult to use by
larger proportioned users; anthropometric
studies would be advisable for this area.
PANASONIC:
•Qualities of PANASONIC are the nobs and
dials are at a good proportion. The designs
look strong and robust also.
•Weaknesses of these models relate mainly to
the design; bulk and a lot of buttons are
placed on both models. Signal frequency parts
of the radios may also be snapped off easily.
The overall look of the radio isn't very
attractive because of buttons and material
use. Consumers don’t look to purchase these
radios anymore because they have been made
obsolete (progression of technology).
Competitors and their qualities/weaknesses:
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
5. Competitors and their qualities/weaknesses; (PURE): Technical designs
• Looking closely at the competition in which my product will face I have decided to look at one of the best brands in closer detail, PURE, to truly understand their pride radio designs, what
some of their designs mean and how they are specifically retailed; this will enable me to focus on what works well.
Qualities of the CONTOUR:
•This radio is know as the Contour, (in linguistic terms meaning a phonetic
sound) in which its name derives from. This device as shown through
imagery is designed to hold users I phones, which enables them to have a
wider speaker system.
•The contour radio can connect to the internet via a USB Ethernet
adapter, (below). This allows the user to connect to digital and FM radio
with over 30 stations.
•The product is upgradable via Wi-Fi, Ethernet or USB
•Alarms and time is also included.
•Integrated with existing products; I phone.
Weaknesses of the CONTOUR:
•The retractable unit for the I phone may be weak and
break easily.
•Only for the I phone; not a universal design.
•Expensive materials used for manufacture; metals.
•Mains powered via the back of the design; not eco-
friendly.
Future Designs:
•The progression of technology will always advance with
brand new ideas. This design proposal has been
launched but isn't available for retail currently. It is fully
touch interactive, with a working performance similar to
the I phones layout:
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
6. • Some products have a unique, modern design to them. Some look advanced, some look
simple and others are highly personal.
Competitors and their qualities/weaknesses; (PURE): Modern designs
Qualities of the EVOKE FLOW:
•EVOKE Flow uses the same Wi-Fi technology as portable
computers to connect to the internet wirelessly.
•EVOKE Flow’s touch-sensitive controls
•Large, clear auto dimming graphical OLED display
•Handy alarm clock
•Timers
•Optional rechargeable ChargePAK battery for maximum
portability
Weaknesses of the EVOKE FLOW:
•Expensive at £149.99; internet based and expensive materials
used.
•Difficult to fit within every users home; single particular
design.
Qualities of the EVOKE MIO by Orla Kiely:
•Similar in many ways to the original EVOKE FLOW radio, but this one has a more personal feel towards its
look and design. It has been manufactured with a design influenced by the designer herself.
•As shown through imagery, the design works well in a household, and can interact with all environments
that it is placed within; kitchen, living room and even a shelf for decoration.
•This is an import piece of research that has shown me that personal design appeals to all users and
generally ‘works’.
•It features future design, modern and past designs integrated into one. This is an idea which may inspire my
designs.
•Very neatly designed and manufactured, materials include a mirror chromed folding handle, walnut
veneered cabinet, cream fascia and a stylish leather tag the radio fits perfectly with Orla’s extensive
homeware range.
Weaknesses of the EVOKE MIO by Orla Kiely:
•Apart from pricing at £150.00 which is due to
materials, this design doesn’t have many faults as its
appealing to a universal of users.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
7. Competitors and their qualities/weaknesses; (PURE): Interchangeability and suiting for all
users
• Products are known to be interchangeable/upgradable, through parts or software. I have researched into some radios to
learn how they are interchangeable and how some products can be altered to suit ranges of customer tastes.
• This design is sold in 7 different colours,
two examples shown. The colouring is a
good design for suiting all users in all
environments; children's night light
would be warm colours like blue and a
normal bedside light would be white.
• Colour is a very good idea to implement
for my designs as it enables users to
apply a colour which best suits their
homes.
• Colour is one aspect of aesthetics, as is
texture, style and size. These elements
are the key to ensuring my design looks
good.
• Some radios are sold in different colours, textures and styles for a
wide range of options to enjoy.
• This radio is a good example; it is hosted in a range of colours suited
for that particular consumers environment, (cutlery, dishes, etc.)
• An interchangeable part for radios can be the outer unit; the casing
could be removed and a new, different style could be replaced so the
product has some form of difference from time to time.
• Radios have advanced along way, from initial plastic
designs such as these which sole purpose was to provide
music, (with additional nobs and settings), feature the time
and have an alarm clock inter built.
• All radios have numerous things in common however:
-Time
-Alarms
-USB and other ports
-Nobs and buttons
-Ariel's
-Output speaker areas
• These basic principals should be integrated into my design
as they remain classical and practical to install into all
designs without looking too futuristic, whilst remaining
their natural feel.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
8. What types of radio broadcast designs are there?
• DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) is a popular broadcast that is well used on most radios. DAB radio’s are easy to use, much more than
analogue radios because they automatically search for stations. Once the radio has found all available stations you just choose the one
you want by name. No more trying to remember frequencies.
• With DAB you get a wider station choice also; as well as many of your existing favourite stations now broadcasting on digital radio, you’ll
also find great exclusive – to – digital stations.
• DAB radios have very high sound quality. Unlike analogue radios, DAB give you a more crystal clear sound.
• Extra features are also provided on this type of broadcast, such as scrolling text to show titles, artists’ names, news and sports results.
Features like textSCAN and intellitext enable you to pause and control scrolling text and display extra text information from participating
stations. Some models also allow you to pause and rewind live digital radio or upgrade the radio or upgrade the radio via USB or WI-FI.
• FM reception enables you to listen to local stations not yet broadcasting digitally and
provides listening in remote areas yet to be served by digital transmitters. RDS (Radio Data
System) provides extra text information, like station names, broadcast by some FM stations
• Internet radio uses the same Wi-Fi technology as portable computers to connect to the internet wirelessly. Through this connection our
flow range of radios allow you to access thousands of radio stations from across the world.
• Wi-Fi enables the user to update the system and/or browse through a large library of music stored on a computer also.
• Some designs also enable you to run internet applications such as Twitter and Facebook.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
9. What is an OLED?
• An OLED, (organic light-emitting diode) is related to the commonly known LED. They are naturally used in
television screens, computer monitors, small, portableOLEDs are used in television screens, computer
monitors, small, portable system screens such as mobile phones and PDAs, watches, advertising, information,
and indication. OLEDs are also used in large-area light-emitting elements for general illumination.
• Below is an example of an OLED in use on this radio. This would be what is to be implemented on my radio
design.
• From personal research I have found OLED’s also on my radios, (below);
OLED’s on radios:
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
• The display is crystal clear, looks neat and is
very easy to maintain, (the use of a cloth is
usually involved).
10. Ethnography study:
•I have selected a photo ethnography study to carry out a study of the ‘typical user’ using my
selected product. I have photographed areas of close functionality of the product, interaction
between the user and the product and how this impacts the user generally.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
11. Anthropometric data:
Hand measurements (mm)
Letter
Indicator
Part of
Hand/Grip
Values
Percentile 5% 50% 95%
I Cylinder grip 40 45 52.5
J Fist Size 92.5 102.5 112.5
K Finger grip 10 12.5 15.0
Ages 15 – 65 years 14 – 9 years 8 – 0 years
L Breadth of hand 87.5 70 62.5
M Length of Hand 187.5 175 140
N Thumb Length 67.5 30 25
• I have researched all anthropometric data and have selected key
measurements that apply purely to my project. Hand
measurements are the only human element to undertake, as the
size of a human in height and diameter isn't necessary for my
product, nor relevant.
• All data provided will enable me to produce my designs in
perspective of a users interaction. I can produce models and
sketches that allow me to see how the design differs from the user.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
12. Persona
Goals
Personal Details
Interests & Hobbies
Education, Career &
Experience
Photograph
Personality
Demographic
Characteristics
Name: Adam Harris
Age: 27
Gender: Male
• Cycling
• Travelling
• Reading business,
economics and ICT articles
• Technology
• Art
• Literature
• Graduate at Exeter
University
• Degree in Business Studies
• Aspires to work in Apple
head office
• Experiences include placement
in Subway franchise, Manager
of a M&S store and small time
placements.
• Family man
• Travelling on business
trips aboard
• London Originated
• Lives in Exeter
• Job in head office at NEXT
• Fun
• Charming
• Respectful in manors
• Hard working
• Colourful character
• Warm hearted
• Technical
• Creative
• Loving for family
• Wife, (Sarah Harris aged
26) and two children,
(Alice Harris, aged 3 and
Charlie Harris, aged 5).
• Outgoing
• Two cars; Honda Jazz sport
(family car) and Jaguar xkr
(work car).
• Completing the hardest of tasks for satisfaction
• Perfectionist
• Hard working to be the best of himself
• Maintain a good family by being a good role model
for his children
• To ensure family and friends are
proud
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
13. Technical Research:
• Upon developing my research I have looked towards purchasing an existing radio
and have disassembled it to understand what technical parts and elements help to
power the device.
• Understanding of course that this model is battery powered I can see how within
the back of the product the user can slide off the cover to reveal the insertion
point for the batteries, (bottom left).
• The following image shows the overall look and combination of the radio.
• The radios interior shows many parts where bosses and ribs are injection moulded
to help keep the product together. The key point in which the radio is powered is
through the PCB (printed circuit board).
• The radio is an example of an interactive product, meaning it is computer
embedded, (interactivity between the user and the product).
• The product is both physically product designed and digitally product designed.
Physical in terms of form, screening, buttons, dialling and power. Digitally in terms
of interaction, connectivity and functionality. These contributing factors for
interactive products such as the radio are important to undertake when developing
ideas., and new solutions.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
• This Mobile phone shows how easy it is to
interchange new designs; it simply clicks into
place onto the product. This is done through
ribs and detailed measured accuracy of how the
product will interlock.
14. Technical Research Continued:
• I have looked further into learning the interiors of other radios by disassembling
my alarm clock/cd player radio.
• This radio discovered to be more complicated mainly because it is a bigger
design, but it relates to the other radios interior; printed circuitry, LCD for the
screening, etc. This design also features a cooling fan so the interior doesn’t
overheat. It is wise to apply some form of vent to let heat escape from the radio
otherwise is will ruin.
• I have disassembled the outer body to see how the design has been made. The
entire shell has been injection moulded as the finishing points are left on the
design, (bottom left image).
• The image above is a boss with secure ribs to distribute the weight of the
strength of the material to ensure it can withstand use and is self-sustainable.
• Numerous boss designs have been injected onto this product for the screws to
provide connectivity of the parts. The plastic is recyclable and is ABS plastic.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
15. Questionnaire results:
1. Do you currently possess a radio in your household?
5 people
15 people
2. If yes, where do you keep/place the radio in your household?
12 people
4 people
4 people
2 people
5 people 0 people
0 people
3. Would you like the idea of an eco-friendly powered radio?
17 people
3 people
4. If No, please provide reasons, (3 people):
•“Don’t think it’s a good idea.”
•“Don’t listen to the radio at home only in work”.
•“Normal radios are fine”.
5. What ideas do you think would be good to eco-power a radio? Please provide
your answer below:
13 people
2 people
3 people
• I have produced a series of questions to ask the
public, selecting a random 20 members.
Collecting their results enables me to produce my
product to consumer demand.
• It also enables me to look closely what people
may think towards the idea.
• The results show how the higher percentage of the
population possess a radio of some form of
description.
• The results show that people place radios mainly in
the kitchen area. Some people did comment that
they place their radios around windows and counters
within exposed sunlight of their kitchen also.
• The results show how people like the proposal of a
new, eco-friendly design.
• The results show how people would like solar power as a
provider. This means this is how my radio shall be powered
to achieve my objective.
• An interesting point one person raised who marked ‘both’
said: “Wind up as long as it lasted for a while. Solar powered
in the garden for summer “. Perhaps my idea can inherit
numerous eco-friendly sources of power, however the
technology may be to complex to bring in too many ideas;
this will be focused during my development of ideas.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
16. Solar Power:
• Solar power was the winning decision in which the public would like to see. Of course, existing radios
possess forms of technology with solar power units, but they do not look very appealing, nor modern
styled as shown in some examples.
• They look to be manually wired in the top design, with its individual component, where the other
design looks compact with the panels, it looks outdated.
• Sunlight is the key contributing factor to powering solar power. Focusing on the physical side of the
matter, sunlight on average arrives at a 45 degree angle during the hot seasons of the year, where ate
a lower angle during the cooler, winter period.
• As shown in the diagram, the earth is hotter and cooler at different times. This is due to the earths
rotation around the sun, thus impacting sunlight's direction of travel and the heat impacted from that
angle, (hot from the higher angle then a lower angle).
• This research is interesting towards my design; for the angle of the solar panel, perhaps the panel
could be hidden and appear when attracting sunlight, and also, be set on an angled bar to rotate
directly at the suns rays, as shown on the diagram:
• Solar power can also encourage other forms of
eco power to collide; this radio has both solar
and wind up technology. This a perfect
demonstration of an eco powered radio. This
could be an angle for designing ideas, as some of
the public did comment on wind up technology:
• Solar panels are made from monocrystalline
silicon wafer, (containing solar cells that collect
sunlight):
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
17. Solar Powered Radios:
•This type of radio has been manufactured, however a long time ago when older radio designs where popular. Below I have researched existing models of forms of radios within this category, with
annotations also included:
• Here is a radio that has a
foldable solar power unit
as well as a hand wind up
mechanism when the
weather isn't sunny. This is
a clever idea as it
addresses all necessary
conditions, faults however
result in the products look;
not a very attractive
design
• This radio has both FM
reception and DAB; the OLED
shows song names, artists and
words as shown in the image.
This design is nice, clean simple;
a good design. Note that more
than one type of broadcast can
be interpreted, but not Wi-Fi as
this requires mains power; solar
power can provide limited
energy.
• The popular hand held radio
invented by Trevor Baylis is a
well known design being idea
for portability, easy of use and
simplicity. It can be solar
powered also, however it is
analogue based like the old
designs.
• This unique, surreal design
is very solar powered
specific, with its adjustable
panels enabling the user to
angle them to the specific
angle of the sunlight
travelling. Looking closely
at the design, it features
very minimal operations
and a OLED, which is small.
This is useful as it shows
that certain shapes obtain
great ideas and looks.
• These designs like the first perform well
in terms of eco-friendly power,
however they are bulky and poorly
presented. This is a good working point;
the radios already possess the
functions, (which won on the
questionnaires), a good idea would be
to turn the look of the radio into
something aesthetically pleasing to all.
• Clean, simple and easy to use; this radio is a
perfect example of what I aim to produce,
however it looks very simple in terms of look.
What's also interesting is how the radio is sold in
numerous designs, (this also looked in more
critical detail earlier in my research). Colour
interchangeable parts in terms of the outer design
maybe an interesting design issue to play with.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
18. Manufacturing techniques and materials involved:
•Manufacturing the radio itself takes careful consideration; what materials are used, why use them, what technic is best for that method and is it the
most cost efficient method? From looking at numerous radios and disassembling 2 existing radios I have learnt allot about manufacturing and materials.
Here is my conclusion for making my radio:
• Looking at the 7 types of plastic groups, I have learnt what each one
contributes towards, however both radios I have looked at use ABS,
(Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) which would fall into number 7, OTHER,
known as “Mixed Plastics”.
• Reflecting on my radios also exposed critical parts that clearly showed how
both radios where made; injecting moulding. The parts being bosses and
ribs, which would be IM, also including the ejected points in which the
machinery ‘pushes’ the parts away once made.
Injection moulding and its methods:
1. The process begins when a “short shot” of thermoplastic is injected into the mould, partially
filling it with a predetermined amount of resin.
2. Using either a nozzle or gas pins, nitrogen is injected into the centre of the hot resin, following
the path of least resistance it forms hollow channels and directs the resin to the last area of the
mould to fill.
3. As the gas expands in the cavity, forcing the plastic in front of it, all of the surfaces receive an
equal pressure creating an even “pack out” of the part. This brings the following benefits:
shortened cooling cycle, elimination of sink marks and improved dimensional stability.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
19. Branding my product:
• Its always important to label designs when marketing them. Names of products gain customer recognition, loyalty, preference, trust and overall customer satisfaction, upon that brand
being successful. Existing markets such as Pure, PHILLIPS, PANASONIC and SONY have established themselves as electrical suppliers, PURE being very successful for its designs in particular. I
have designed my own personal label which establishes key parts of my design.
• All of these designs share a similar element; the logo designs look plain, original and designed with simple text, which from personal appearance implies simple ideas; I have looked to
produce my design as shown in the form of the 3rd
dimension with bold, powerful text:
• Solid text with curves in
the lettering for effect
• Reflection from the text
to imply a futuristic
design
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
20. Concept Development - sheet
1/4:
• The ideas with a red box
indicate the selected
idea for development.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
30. Matrix Evaluation:
Design Proposals Ease of use Portability Versatility Sustainability Ethical Popularity Total
1. ++ + + ++ ++ ++ 10
2. + o o + + + 4
3. + o + + + + 5
4. ++ o o + ++ ++ 7
5. ++ ++ + + ++ + 9
6. ++ + o + ++ + 7
• Upon reflecting on my designs, I have selected one concept to take further into production, idea 1. From this stage the design will be taken further into account in terms of the
look, the assembly and a CAD of the model to shop its technical look as well as an in-situ to reflect the products qualities.
• To finalise the product I will first look at the proposal
look and how it can be improved.
• From all of my research I already know the materials
and manufacturing methods that the product would
undertake, it now faces a more elaborate assembly
method and alterations to its look and design.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
Initial Modelling:
•Whilst developing ideas I had built a model representing
idea 3. The reason for doing so was because Initially I was
very taken personally to this product proposal, however
reflecting back to my brief the key element wasn’t to
ensure it can ‘Hold’ a phone, any radio can do this as
shown in the example image.
•At this point I realised how I needed to change my
outlook by reflecting back to the briefs direction of
producing an eco-friendly radio.
31. • Here I have identified a accurate sketch plan of the radio,
and how it will look through broad design.
• Here I have produced a CAD
design of my product; it is shown
in two different designs to
illustrate how it will look when
different interfaces are applied.
From this stage I will look to
produce a series of
measurements, identifying each
part and producing a final in-suite
situation in which this CAD design
will be illustrated within.
Detailed embodiment design:
• This page looks at how the selected product has been taken that extra step further into
more critical detail. It looks at closer detail on the radio, the final look and a broad
plan.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
User Centred Design (UCD):
•Looking further into my detailed design I have looked at how
the product will be constructed through a brief exploded plan. It
enables me to study each part, knowing how and what that
particular parts purpose is.
•I have produced a model which enables me to demonstrate the
product in use, from lifting the radio, rotating the handle or
tuning the stations/volume.
32. Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
Detailed in-suite CAD - Final:
• Clean look to the
interface, designed to
be user friendly.
• Rotational handle alike
Trevor Baylis’ hand
held radio; for when
sunlight isn't visible.
• Solar powered to
capture suns rays;
additional means of
powering with a
modern design look.
Detailed in-suite CAD - Final:
34. Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
General Arrangement Drawing:
Notes…..
General Arrangement Drawing:
35. Exploded view:
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
Item Number Title of Part Material Quantity
1 Front cover ABS 1
2 Front frame ABS 1
3 Handle ABS 1
4 Handle Arm ABS 1
5 Handle attachment ABS 1
6 Cover Frame Aluminium 1
7 Bar Aluminium 1
8 Back frame ABS 1
9 Back frame ABS 1
10 Solar Panel
Monocrystalline
Silicon Wafer
1
11 Ariel Aluminium 1
12 Screws Steel 12
13
OLED (Electrical
compounds)
OLED 1
14 Speakers ABS 2
15 Central Frame ABS 1
16 Base pads Rubber 4
17 Dials & Buttons Aluminium 6
B.O.M
:
• NOTE: Inside of the central frame (15), Is
the location of electrical components,
circuitry and powering, (as learnt from past
research).
36. Task Analysis:
•A Task Analysis will enable me to identify the key issues relating to the product in more critical
detail then my previous understanding of factors and influences research. At the end of the
project I will produce the same task analysis to see how my product performs in all areas.
Radio Ergonomics
User interface
Performance
Assembly
• Its important to remember what tactile
qualities selected materials feature,
(sense of touch, how good it feels).
Aesthetics
Finish
Build Quality
Function
Materials
• The combination of materials should be
assembled in a distinctive formation.
This involves strong materials like
plastics and woods, learning their
properties.
• Concern for the environment when
selecting my materials; concerns of the
impact to acquire them for example; in
this case sourcing reusable materials is
an advisable method.
• Its important to reflect the over
performance of that materials; its
finish, how it feels, looks and reflects
impact upon the consumer. The radio
must have a good finishing.
• The radio must function easily and
safely. This can be achieved with
ensuring its well designed and
tested by the BSI.
• It must be eco friendly. This can
be achieved through its power
source, sourcing reusable
materials and building the design
from fewer parts as possible.
• Anthropometrical
studies will enable
me to look closely at
what measurements
are needed for my
radios development;
size of buttons for
example.
• Not just human
sizes, but also the
design itself; it
mustn't be too
large or small, but
well suited for the
user to operate.
• Manufacturers
declarations, or user
requirements, will declare
what exactly is expected
from the outcome; it must
play music, it must look
good and stand out from
other designs with its USP.
• The USP alone is
important; for the radio to
be eco friendly, it must be
sourced from all possible
methods of accomplishing
this, (in-depth research).
• The user of the product must find
the interface easy to use, not too
many dials or operational points
and comforting, (the relationship
between the user and the
product, how it personally feels).
• A simple design should be
implied to the designs; nice
colours, textures,
materials, shapes, forms
and overall presentation.
• The overall design has to
withstand use from the user;
sometimes in certain
environments the product is
placed in events can occur such as
water spilling or the radio falling
from a ledge. The assembly of the
product must be well organised.
• Alike build quality, however
assembly concentrates on how
practically this product will be
held together. Bosses for example
are a practical method of
accomplishing this.
• Assembly looks also at the
manufacturing technics in which it
will undertake; how will the
product actually be made?
Injection moulding for example to
make the parts within industry.
• The finish of the product depends on the material; woods usually
interact with veneers or plastics with a polishing form.
• Depending on the finish, it must be safe; none-toxic or
dangerous in any form.
• Size, Colour, Style and Texture; my product must perform well in all of these
critical fields. Size ensures the product is a suitable proportion for both the
product itself and the user. The product should be graphical, look nice and
stand out well in any environment. The style should be up-to-date, not too
old dated nor too futuristic, however the product is to ensure it isn't
outdated within the next 10-20 years at least. Texture of the material; is it
leather, wood, plastic, or something else? It must feel comfortable to hold
and use, no sharp edges or hazards.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
37. Components
Sustainability
Packaging
Manufacturing
Safety
Cost
Maintenance
Similar Products
Reliability
Radio
• Reliability can be given from the
product if user tested through UCD
methodologies, these being user trails,
insights, interviews and other user
approaches.
• Reliability concerns user trust within a
design; the brand and design must be
user friendly.
• BS tested; this ensures the product
would be ideal for marketing.
• All materials and components must be
sustainable. Materials, packaging and
resources are well researched to
ensure they are reliable.
• General H&S specifications and
standards; labels and warning on
certain parts so the user is identified.
• Products feature labels which signify
issues that help the manufacturer to
inform the consumer of the safety
and maintenance precautions. My
radio should be easy to repair if
problems occur. If parts do damage or
get wet, the product should be easy
to dissemble and repair/interchange
for a new part.
• The product must serve a quality life
span; this can be achieved with careful
considerations such as cleaning the
radio regally with a dry cloth or
duster.
• The environment, the economy and the social system all relate to a system that can be
maintained in a healthy state indefinitely. These terms relate to the general sustainability
within the sustainability process. The product should be mass manufactured as opposed to
batch to save cost, time and energy.
• Materials should be locally sourced if possible to reduce carbon footprint impact.
Obtaining these materials naturally is damaging to the environment and its resources;
Mining metal ores and plastics coming from oil, both unsustainable if constantly revisited.
• Recycling is key to this product; obtaining recycled plastics, woods or metals to make this
product whatever it looks like. However, it costs a lot to recycle materials, but being more
friendly. Its difficult to decide, recycling materials or purchasing them from suppliers in
which they are freshly harvested; both methods feature the good yet the bad points.
• The economic system of sustainability exclusively focuses upon the total transportation
audit, which is an examination of financial records. This means how the product is
distributed to the market. Shipped by ISO containers however it would be transported by
lorries; this process should be cost effective through mass manufacturing.
• My radio mustn't harm people, offend or insult in any way otherwise issues
would rise causing public awareness and protest. No misused labels, colours
or imagery should otherwise be used throughout the product.
• Kept to a minimum in
all sustainable,
manufacturing and
material areas. The
cheaper the cost the
more profit will gain.
• JIT (just in time)
manufacturing is one
approach that will save
a lot of money; upon
ordering materials as of
when they are needed,
reducing storage.
• Boxed and easy to open
by the user; the product
would be fully assembled
and ready for use.
• Clear imagery and logo
branding the interior
product, saying what it is.
• Injection moulded, blow
moulded, rotational moulding,
etc. At this point its difficult to
know how to manufacture my
design, however I will look into
existing designs to learn their
manufacturing technics.
• Some parts can be interchangeable,
these being outer designs perhaps so
the consumer has a different look
each time. Not just interchangeable
parts, but perhaps upgrading the
system also for better performance
factors perhaps?
• Servicing the radio would involve
quality checked; on products a small
golden label can be found to show it
has been checked by an institute. A
check up usually means to ensure the
part still works, operating and fully
functions.
• User tested and evaluated by an
institute such as the ISO
(international standards
organisation) that issue a
certificate to organisations that
meet British standard
regulations. If BSI certified my
product fro example it would be
classified as safe for purpose and
use.
• Labels and warning signs are a
good demonstration for user
care: “WARNING: KEEP AWAY
FROM WATER BASED SURFACES”
for example; the consumer must
be kept in mind.
• All existing radios possess some form of consumer
interest that makes them work well together; each
product has a USP, (unique selling point) that issues
that product. Mine being eco friendly should appeal to
a lot of users potentially that is if it looks good.
Daniel Marshall BA Product Design
