Human Factors + UCD
Define Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the study of designing products to fit the user’s body and improve comfort, safety, and efficiency.
What does LCA stand for?
Life Cycle Analysis
What does CAD stand for?
Computer-Aided Design
Define incremental innovation
Small improvements made to an existing product.
What makes a product a classic design?
Timeless aesthetics, functional effectiveness, and long-lasting appeal.
Difference between 5th and 95th percentile?
5th percentile represents smaller users, while 95th percentile represents larger users in a population.
Two Stages of a Product Life Cycle
- Manufacturing
- Use
*Raw Material Extraction, Transport Disposal
One Benefit of Prototyping
It allows designers to test and improve a product before mass production.
What is first-to-market advantage?
Being the first company to launch a product gives competitive advantage and brand recognition.
Define Economies of Scale
Reduction in cost per unit as production quantity increases.
Two physiological factors designers consider:
Strength
Fatigue
(also acceptable: body temperature, posture, muscle endurance)
Difference between reuse and recycling:
Reuse means using a product again without processing it, while recycling involves breaking down materials to make new products.
Batch vs Mass Production
Batch production makes products in groups, while mass production produces large quantities continuously.
Technology push vs market pull
Technology push is driven by new technology development.
Market pull is driven by consumer demand.
Why do some classic designs remain unchanged?
Because they effectively meet user needs and have strong brand recognition.
Why use extreme percentiles instead of 50th?
Extreme percentiles ensure products are accessible to most users, including the smallest and largest individuals.
How does material choice affect carbon footprint?
Different materials require different energy levels to extract and process, which affects total emissions across the product’s life cycle.
Why are Tolerances important?
Tolerances ensure parts fit together properly and maintain quality in manufacturing.
Why do some inventions fail?
They may be too expensive, poorly marketed, unnecessary, or not aligned with user needs.
Relationship between quality control and brand reputation:
Consistent quality maintains customer trust and protects brand image.
Why is user testing more reliable than designer assumption?
User testing provides real-world feedback and identifies usability issues that designers may overlook due to bias or limited perspective.
Does sustainable design always increase cost?
Not always. While initial costs may be higher, long-term savings can occur through efficiency, durability, and reduced waste.
Advantages and limitations of automation
Advantages: faster production, consistency, lower long-term costs.
Limitations: high setup cost, less flexibility, job displacement.
Does disruptive innovation benefit consumers more than companies?
It can benefit consumers through lower prices and new options, but companies may suffer if they cannot adapt.
Is mass customisation better than mass production?
Mass customisation offers personalised products, but mass production is cheaper and more efficient.