Product evolution

Brian Russell

Exam expectations

Issues associated with product evolution are regularly tested in the written paper. You should be able to explain some of the reasons why products change over time.

Product evolution

Why do products change over time?• New materials• New manufacturing methods• New technologies• Social changes• Fashions/trends• Legislation..........

New modern materials• There have been massive advances in new materials that it is

difficult to keep up to date with what is available. These developments are one of the best examples of technological push as sometimes the properties of the materials are discovered through extensive research and experiments then a useful application found for them later.

Changes in manufacturing methods

The following terms are used to describe the different scales of production:

• One-off or Jobbing Production• Batch Production• Mass or Flow Production• Continuous Production

As we have moved from craft based manufacturing towards fully automated manufacturing this has had a major influence on how products are designed. Choosing the scale of production is a major decision.

Automated production Car production is typically organised using robots to assemble

many of the parts. This has meant some massive changes in the way the car bodies are designed and produced.

Technological developments• Advances in micro electronics has been one of the major

technological developments which have taken place in recent years, resulting in much smaller and powerful products. Nano technology appears to be another area which will have a major impact in the future.

Social changes

• We have become much wealthier• We have far more leisure time than we have ever had• We now live in a multi-racial/multi-cultural society• Many women now work outside of the home• We travel a great deal• Youth culture has developed• We are far more technologically aware• International markets are the norm

People in the UK have changed dramatically over the last hundred years. Here are just a few of the changes which have affected the evolution of products:

When did we “invent” teenagers?

• The “Teddy Boy” era of the1950s was probably the first sign of youth culture

• The “Mods” of the “Swinging1960s” changed us forever with their demand for fashionable clothing and products

• The Youth Market is now one of the largest areas products are developed for

A growing problem

• As the population of the UK increases the number of registered disabled and older citizens rises, leading to an increased demand for products that will enable people to continue to live in their family homes.

• People over 60 outnumber the under-16s for the first time and the number of over-85s has increased five-fold since 1951.

• At the current rate, in 23 years, almost a quarter of the population will be over 65.

This will have a major impact on the products we see in the shops

Fashion changes

• Arts & Crafts movement• Art Nouveau• Modernism• Art Deco• De Stijl• Bauhaus• The Streamlined Age • Memphis• Post Modernism

The art and design movements of the last century have had major influences of the style of products:

Trend forecasting• The clothing industry has developed “seasons” which predict

the latest trends in colour and style• Although much slower, furniture and interiors trends change

on a regular basis, quickly making many people feel that their homes are “out of date”, or old fashioned

Trends from abroad• Counties such as Denmark and Sweden have had major

influences upon the style of products in our homes• India has had a major impact on UK, particularly with regard

to soft furnishings and clothing• Italy has always been associated with flair for design and is a

major influence on our products• Germany, the Bauhaus and the influence of designers such as

Dieter Rams still influence the style of today’s products

Retro design• Modern products based on styling from the past• Keep nostalgic styling but incorporate the latest technology

Legislation/regulation

• Seatbelts and booster seats in cars• Emissions laws linked to car exhaust systems• Use of foam in upholstery• Mobile phone usage whilst driving• Digital TV signals• Health & Safety at Work Act.......

Consider some of the recent laws and regulations that have influenced product design:

Technology Push• Research and development in science is a major factor why

products change.• New materials and new technologies are two areas where

science has provided the basis for designers to create new products

Market Pull

• Environmental concerns• Latest technologies• Price• Exploitation of workers• Fair Trade• Energy costs......

The power of the consumer is forcing continual changes with issues such as:

Continuous improvement

Manufacturers need to keep improving their products to stay competitive or to meet changing regulation/legislation.

• Consumer/retailer feedback• Maintenance engineers• Production staff• Pressure groups (environment)• Financial savings…….

Continuous improvementKey questions:• How can products be made more sustainable?• Can you make links to the 6 “R”s?• Are continuous improvements a good or bad thing for the

environment?

In the written examination these questions allow you to discuss issues and give opinions

Exam tip

• Mickey Mouse Tells Funny Stories

• Materials• Manufacturing• Technology• Fashion• Social

In the examination you may be asked to name some reasons products evolve or change over time. This may help you to remember the most important reasons

Design Icons

Classic design• Innovative• Often copied

Every now and again designers and manufacturers produce products which are regarded as Design Icons, or Classic Designs. These set new standards for the products that follow.