New & emerging technologies

• Automation

  Automation has been developing in factories since the Industrial Revolution, with machinery being used to complete tasks previously done by humans.

  • Automated machines are programmed to carry out a procedure multiple times to improve production time.
  • The cost of setting up machinery is high but, when they are operating, less waste is produced and running costs are lower.
• Robotics

  Robots use AI to collect information and improve the performance of a particular procedure.

  • Robotics has proven popular because of their ability to increase efficiency and handle harmful materials that humans can't, but they are very expensive
• What is Linear economy?

  The linear economy is an example of a modern ‘throwaway society’ and is best described as make, use and dispose - which can create negative effects on the environment
• What is circular economy?

  makes maximum use of resources with as little waste as possible, recovering and regenerating materials at the end of their life.

  • it reduces waste, but ensures we are more resourceful with materials and contributes to a competitive economy.
  • Examples: the development of biodegradable food containers that break down into natural nutrients in the Earth’s soil where they can be used again.
• What is crowdfunding?

  uses websites to advertise products as investment opportunities, where people can choose to back a project with a financial donation if they think it will be viable.

  • Backers are often rewarded with free gifts, discounts or a pre-agreed part of any profits if the product is successful.
• What is Virtual Marketing & retail?

  • Promotion of products online and sharing experiences, reviews and recommendations has rapidly become part of the retail experience
  •  Algorithms can generate information about users’ buying habits and suggest relevant retail sites for them to try using search engine optimisation (SEO).
  •  Blogs, vlogs and social media all provide advertising platforms, and costs of retailing from a website are far lower than from a high street shop
• What are cooperatives?

  Cooperatives are organisations with lots of people working together towards common goals.

  • The cooperative is run and owned by members who share decision-making, profits and risk.
  • Examples: Co-op, John Lewis and Partners
• What are finite resource?

  Finite resources are non-renewable and will eventually run out.

  • Eg: Metals, plastics and fossil fuels
  • Popular as they are easily accessible due to strong supply chains and often have benefits for manufacturing particular products or for energy supplies.
  • Companies are more careful in their use of finite resources, and they now consider the carbon footprint caused by using such materials.
• What are non-finite resources?

  Non-finite resources are found naturally and can be replaced.

  • Eg: include wood, cotton and renewable energy sources: solar and wind.
  • Where trees are cut down for wood or hibiscus plants harvested for cotton, new ones can be planted in their place.
• How does waste disposal work?

  Waste disposal is carefully monitored and managed by local councils.

  • Households are encouraged to recycle waste items where possible, including products made from hard plastics, paper and steel.
  • Natural garden waste can also be recycled.
  • All other waste goes to landfill sites, which release harmful gases that pollute the surrounding air and soil.
• What is continuous improvements (Kaizen)

  Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is the practice of continually making small adjustments to production techniques to improve speed and quality and save resources.

  • it encourages people to work together and give regular feedback to make small improvements.
• How does efficient working occur?

  • increasing the speed of production, reducing errors and reducing waste,
  • utilising automation or computer aided manufacture (CAM).
  • Implementing quality control checks ensures that errors are quickly spotted.
• What is the effect of pollution?

  Pollution is caused when harmful substances are released into the natural environment.

  • Legislation has been brought in to help with this issue.
  • example, Harmful products, such as batteries, should be disposed of correctly, and companies are being encouraged by government incentives to recycle waste wherever possible.
• What is the effect of climate change?

  Manufacturing processes in factories or the use of day-to-day products like cars can cause harmful chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, to be released.

  • Current solution: limitations on the levels of pollution and emissions of greenhouse gases, as well as targets on renewable energy generation, to try to stop climate change.
  • The development of efficient electrical products, such as low-energy light bulbs, and better building insulation has cut down on energy costs.
  • Some countries offer incentives to increase the use of emission controls, electric vehicles and energy-saving devices, such as better insulation and automatic shut-off devices.
• How do religious groups affect new & emerging technologies?

  Religious groups have a variety of preferences that can be addressed through design.

  • The use of certain symbols, dietary restrictions and clothing requirements all need to be considered so that beliefs are upheld.
• How does the elderly affect new technology?

  important to understand the difficulties this user group may experience

  • Eg: mobility issues, visual impairment and hearing loss.
  • Product eg: long shoehorn, which will allow an elderly person to put a shoe on without having to bend down
• How does Physical abilities affect new & emerging technology?

  Products for users with physical disabilities will ensure they can use the product with ease. User needs are met by understanding the nature of the physical disability

  • eg visual impairment, mobility restrictions or motor control.
  • The range of everyday products that help to increase independence continues to grow.
• How are fashion trends affect new & emerging technology?

  • Eg: textile technology utilises electrically-conductive material or 3D-printing technology.
  • new technology allows products to remain popular with a modern market while creating new and innovative looks
  • Trend forecasts are able to predict the future patterns and colours two years before products come onto the market, and manufacturers can buy this information to influence their designs and enable them to keep ahead of their market competitors
• What is market pull?

  when product ideas are produced in response to market forces or customer needs.

  • Eg: development of cameras, which have become smaller, more lightweight and higher performing as a result of customer needs
• What is technology push?

  Technology Push: Research and development in science and industry can lead to new discoveries, which can be used to improve existing products or develop new ones.

  • it happens before there is consumer demand for a product.
  • Research and development is valuable for companies who are the first to introduce a new, innovative product
  • Eg. Smartphones due to technology push, where existing touchscreen technology was used to improve the mobile phone market.