1.3.1 the design mix

• the design mix


  a combination of elements that are considered when designing a products

  (FAC):

  • function - how well the product works
  • aesthetics - what the product looks like
  • cost - what business spends making the product
• why is it good for a business to focus on the aesthetics of a product?

  • customers will likely purchase the product if it looks aesthetically pleasing
  • stand out from competition
  • USP and adds value - justifies a high price/ premium price
• why might it be a negative for a business to focus on aesthetics?


  • more money has to be spent on costs in order for the product to look good = increase selling price = might put customers off
  • lose focus on other elements like function
• why might it be good for a business to focus on function?


  product works well = customers are satisfied = develops brand loyalty = improves reputation = increase sales
• why might it be good for a business to focus on costs?

  focus on cost reduction = charge lower prices = attract customers of want value
• trade-off is another word for compromise
• an opportunity cost is the loss of other alternatives when one alternative is chosen over the other
• the design mix presents a trade-off between two options

  opportunity costs are created when designing a product