Evaluation of Existing Products

How long have I got for this section? Due in: 20/9/06
How many marks is this bit worth? 4
How many pages should it occupy? 3


The activity you complete in this section is to look at existing products and evaluate them against the needs of the intended user. The best way of doing this is to look at an actual product that is similar to the one that you are intending to design. If there is none available, you may need to look at part of several products.

How do you go about doing this?

• Take photos of different angles
• Take photos of details i.e. fastenings
• Make comments on construction methods
• Draw diagrams of seams etc.
• Handle product
• What is the function of the product – how does it work?
• Make comments on whether fabric is suitable for style
• Comment on decoration
• Add drawings to show enlarged section or a construction process if your photos are not clear
• Look at different things for garments or furnishing products, perhaps at sections, how hung, carried
• What colours have been used? Is colour an important feature?
• What is the cost of the product?
• Are there any legal requirements that need to be met?
• Look at fibres and fabric – if bought look at label, assess fabric, woven or knitted
• Look at the reason why/which way the fabric has been used, perhaps bias cut.
• Draw the care label and explain the symbols
• Look at the size i.e. a size 10 should fit a person who is a size 10
• Look at the country of origin
• Performance characteristics – how well does it work, does it match up to what it was designed for i.e. oven gloves – do they protect your hands from heat?
• If a garment, how easy is it to get on or off
• Is it easy to wear, does it allow you to move?
• Is it functional or aesthetic – why?
• Examine and comment on components and trimmings
• Look at methods of decoration and comment
• Size and ergonomics – how product is used by the person it is designed for (ease of use) balance between performance qualities and design qualities
• Environmental issues – life of product, what happens when you finish using it, re-used, re-cycled, is it biodegradable?
• Does the product work well, does if fulfill its intended purpose?
• Are there any legal requirements that need to be met?
• Do the materials used have special properties or performance characteristics?

It is far better to look at 1 or 2 existing products in detail than do 5 or 6 briefly.

Consider how you might present this information.

• Use sub-titles and bullet points to show clearly what you have studied
• All the information collected should be relevant to your product.

Very important - Write a conclusion stating how this information has helped your understanding of the product and how this can help you design.