PRODUCT DESIGN : PRINCIPLES OF
PRODUCT DESIGN PRACTICE
EXAMINATION 2026 QUESTIONS WITH
ANSWERS GRADED A+
◍ Aesthetics.
Answer: The perception, appreciation of and sensitivity towards works of
art, designs, products, objects or artefacts; usually associated with the notion
of beauty.
◍ Anthropometrics.
Answer: A branch of ergonomics that deals with bodymeasurements,
including size, strength and physical capacity.
◍ Design brief.
Answer: A written statement that contains an outline of a situation, context,
or problem/need. It focuses on the desired results related to the design of a
product. The scenario is often a simplified version of a situation, which
includes the hypothetical needs and wants of an end user/s.
◍ Computer-aided Design (CAD).
Answer: Computer software and hardware is used to drawand design high
quality real or virtual products. CAD streamlines design processes for
manufacturing and enables a designer to work faster. Computer software
allows a design to be quickly modified, and simulate a three-dimensional
part or entire product.
◍ Emotional Appeal.
Answer: The feelings experienced by a user/owner of a product that involve
, a sense of well being or provides an emotional experience. To make a
person feel an emotional connection when they purchase or own a product
and that cost or function are of lesser importance than feelingsassociated
with the ownership of the product.
◍ Ergonomics.
Answer: The application of scientific information about the interaction and
relationship of human beings to the design of objects, systems and work and
recreational environments. Ergonomics is an important consideration in
product design to ensure a product fits the person or worker (measured by
anthropometrics), reduces the risk of injury or fatigue and improves
performance.
◍ What are the three strategies for new product introduction?.
Answer: market pulltechnology pushinterfunctional view
◍ Purpose, function, context.
Answer: Includes the reason or need for a product, in the context and
environment of its use. This includes its operation, performance, reliability
and quality. The primary function andsecondary functions that support its
use are considered.
◍ What is the strategy for new product introduction of market pull?.
Answer: market is the primary basis for determining the products a firm
should make, little regard for existing technology. Done by defining
customer needs, then the firm organizes the technology, resources, and
processes needed to design the product and supply the customer
◍ User-centred design.
Answer: Designing products to ensure the needs, safety and comfort of the
people they are made for come first or are always taken into consideration.
◍ Intellectual Property (IP).
Answer: Intellectual property is generated through intellectual or creative
activity. Types of intellectual property protection include patents, trade
marks, design registration,confidential information/trade secrets, copyright,
, circuitlayout rights and plant breeder's rights.See:
<www.ipaustralia.gov.au/smartstart/glossary.htm>.
◍ What is an example of a product introduced through market pull?.
Answer: new clothing or jewelry designs that are potentially appealing
◍ Lean manufacturing.
Answer: Lean manufacturing or lean production is a system and culture
which aims at maximising the output of a manufacturing process with
minimal inputs with the help of many lean techniques and tools. It aims at
reducing workin progress, downtime, build up of excess raw materials,
finished goods, and all waste.Source:
<www.leanmanufacture.net/leanterms/leanmanufacturing.aspx>
◍ Mood board.
Answer: A form of visual stimulus material, such as a large board covered
with images.
◍ Style Obsolescence.
Answer: When a product is no longer wanted by consumers, although it is
still functional, but looks outdated.
◍ What is the strategy for new product introduction of technology push? What
is marketing's role in this method?.
Answer: tech is the primary determinant of the products the firm should
make. Firms gain a tech-based advantage by developing superior tech in
their materials and componentsMarketing should create demand for these
new products
◍ Technical Obsolescence.
Answer: A product becomes technically obsolete when it is replaced by a
better product with more advanced technology.
◍ Functional Obsolescence.
Answer: When a product wears out, deteriorates or breaks down after a
certain amount of time and parts cannot be replaced, or it is not worth
repairing. Planned obsolescence is a term used by Vance Packard denoting a