Technical principles: core knowledge and understanding

• Why is it important for designers to be aware of new and emerging technologies?


  To make effective decisions about materials, components, and systems
• How did the Industrial Revolution impact machinery and manufacturing?


  It led to innovations that allowed products to be produced more quickly and economically
• What technological advancement allowed factories to house larger machines?


  The ability to generate electricity
• What is automated production?


  The use of automatically controlled equipment or machinery to manufacture products
• What is mass production?


  When hundreds or thousands of the same product are produced
• What does the Consumer Rights Act 2015 protect consumers from?


  Defective products and poor services
• What must goods be according to the Consumer Rights Act 2015?


  Satisfactory quality, as described, and fit for purpose
• What can a consumer claim if a product does not function as intended?


  A refund, repair, or replacement
• How long do consumers have to claim a full refund for a defective product?


  30 days from the day they received the product
• What should a product be when it is received according to the Consumer Rights Act?


  Not damaged or defective in any way
• What are the potential downsides of importing cheaper products from other countries?


  It can lead to job losses in the local economy
• How can mobile technology impact social interactions?


  It may lead to fewer face-to-face interactions
• What cultural considerations should designers keep in mind when creating products?


  Ideas, values, beliefs, and customs of different cultures
• What are the stages of the product life cycle?


  • Introduction: Launch and publicity of new products
  • Growth: Increasing sales as awareness rises
  • Maturity: Peak sales period
  • Decline: Sales begin to fall as interest wanes
• What is market pull in product development?


  Development of new products in response to demands from users
• What is technology push in product development?


  Developments in materials or manufacturing methods lead to new products
• How does consumer choice influence product development?


  Designers aim to create products that people want or need
• What is the significance of the product life cycle in marketing?


  It describes the stages a product goes through from introduction to decline
• What is the first stage of the product life cycle?

  Introduction
• What is the last stage of the product life cycle?

  Decline
• What happens during the growth stage of the product life cycle?


  Sales of the product increase as more people become aware of it
• What is the maturity stage in the product life cycle?


  Sales reach their peak
• What is the decline stage in the product life cycle?


  Sales begin to fall as interest wanes
• How do new technologies influence consumer choice?


  People often want to own the latest technologies and products
• What is the role of designers in relation to legislation and consumer protection?


  Designers must ensure they abide by legislation protecting consumers
• What should designers consider regarding the moral and ethical implications of their products?


  How products will affect society and their ethical implications
• What is the definition of counterfeit goods?


  An imitation of something valuable sold to deceive someone
• What is compensation in the context of consumer rights?


  Payment given to someone as a result of loss
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of global production on culture and people?


  Advantages:

  • Increased access to products
  • Lower prices due to competition
  • Greater cultural exchange

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Job losses in local economies
  • Ethical concerns regarding labor conditions
  • Threat to traditional industries and skills
• What is the impact of mobile technology on communication?


  It allows communication with people all over the world at any time
• How does global production affect traditional industries?


  It can threaten traditional industries, skills, and techniques
• What should designers consider when creating products for different cultures?


  They should be sensitive to cultural ideas, values, and beliefs
• What is the purpose of the Consumer Rights Act 2015?


  To protect consumers when buying products or services
• What happens if a service fails to meet expectations according to the Consumer Rights Act?


  The provider must offer some form of compensation
• How does the Consumer Rights Act apply to digital products?


  It covers digital products and online purchases
• What should be checked immediately upon receiving goods purchased online?

  The quality of the product
• What is the time frame for requesting a repair or replacement after 30 days?


  The seller should offer a repair service if feasible
• What is the significance of the term "satisfactory quality" in the Consumer Rights Act?


  It means goods should not be damaged or defective upon receipt
• What are the implications of global production on local job markets?


  It can lead to job losses due to cheaper imports
• What is the role of market research in product development?


  To identify needs and discover problems that require solutions