3.1.4 Data Driven Design

Function, performance and usability can be established using data generated through testing and reverse engineering.

Design in Context

C3.1 Product analysis and evaluation

By the end of this topic, you should be able to...

use data generated from relevant testing and/or reverse engineering to identify areas of the product that require improvement and to determine how well the product meets the needs of the user.

Guiding Question

How does product analysis and evaluation inform various stakeholders and aid in a product’s future development?

Linking Questions

Which aspects of ergonomics are vital to establish when analysing the usability of products? (A1.1)
To what extent does the evaluation of products rely on user-centred research methods? (A2.1)
How does the product analysis and evaluation of products that include mechanical and/or electronic systems differ from products without those systems? (A3.3, A3.4, B3.3, B3.4)
Why is it important to know which manufacturing techniques were used to make a product when conducting product analysis and evaluation? (A4.1)
To what extent is product analysis a fundamental aspect of the design process? (B2.1)
To what extent does material selection have an impact on the success of a product? (B3.1)
What types of information can designers gain from product analysis and evaluation in relation to production systems? (B4.1)
Why is it the responsibility of the designer to learn from product analysis and evaluation tasks when redesigning products? (C1.1)
What is the relationship between life-cycle analysis and product analysis? (C3.2)