PRODUCT DESIGN

Design of a product means determining the shape, standard & pattern of the product. It deals with
form and function in which form means shape & appearance of the product function means related
to. The term product design refers to the determination of shape, & pattern of the product.
According to C. S. Deverell: Product design in broadest sense includes the whole development
of a product through all the preliminary stage until actual manufacturing begins.
Factors affecting Product Design:
1. Customer Requirements: Product design has to give due respect to the requirements of
customers. So designers have to ensure that the product they design suits the convenience of
customers for use. The product design has to be in a way that they can be used in all conditions.
2. Facility to Operators: The designer must see that an operator is provided with all possible
comforts & facilities in handling the operations. It may not perform efficiently if the design is so
complicated. Operator may get tired off soon & may produce less with a complicated design.
Thus machines & tools to perform the operations must be convenient & comfortable to handle.
3. Functionality: A product design should be functionally sound. Purpose of any product design is
the complete satisfaction of consumers. So, it has to function for which it is made. There should
be proper coordination in its appearance and service to the consumers.
4. Product Quality: Quality of a product and its design go hand in hand. Product quality partly
depends on how well the design is and partly on conformity. The policy of a firm should stress
quality of a product in the design stage itself.
5. Material Requirements: The nature and quality of the materials have significant impact on the
design of the product. The designer should have up to date information about new materials
available to make the desired product. Industrial, scientific and technical journals as well as the
consumers of the product can provide necessary information in this regard.
6. Work Methods & Equipment: For a most feasible design, necessary equipment & method of
work carry a large importance. So, a designer should be innovative in nature. He should be aware
for improving the work methods & nature of the equipment. It should be scope for improvement
in work methods & type of equipment required for the operations involved in production process.
7. Packaging: Packaging is an essential part of a product. Design of a package is equally important
as the design of the product. Packaging design should consider the objectives of packaging such
as protection and promotion of the product. Attractive packaging enhances the sales appeal of
product in case of consumer products (non-durables).
Characteristics of Good Product Design
1. Reparability: The product must be designed in such a way that it can be easily repaired
whenever necessary during a break down. The product repairs must be done quickly that too at
a low repair cost. Consumers usually don't buy those costly products, which are either very
expensive to repair / maintain or those who take a longer time and more money for repairing.
2. Reliability: Reliability means dependability on a product. Consumers prefer to purchase and
use often those products which perform their main function or task optimally for a longer
period without any breakdowns or failures. It must not need constant repairs and/or frequent
maintenances. It is so, since repairs often turn costly and are very time consuming. Therefore,
reliability is an important factor to be kept in mind while designing a product.
3. Maintainability: The lubrication points & other areas for servicing of the product to be
designed. This is to make a trouble free product with expensive design. The maintainability is
an important decision at the design stage & it mainly depends on the nature of the product. The
after sales feedback from customers is valuable in improving the maintainability of a product.
4. Warranties: Whether or not a manufacturer is legally bound to put right whatever wrong the
customer does is the question here. Breakdown of a component may or may not owe their
origin to poor maintenance or misuse of the component by a customer — it may be due to
faulty material, faulty design and faulty processing. The manufacturer must keep in mind the
importance of a customer and the costs to be incurred in fixing up a product for the customer.
5. Modular Design: The products should consist of removable components so that whenever a
component fails, it can be replaced by a new one easily. The use of standard sub-assembly
gives rise to numerous end products in different combinations. It is known as modularity.
6. Function: The product must be designed in such a way that it optimally performs the main task
or function for which it is purchased by a buyer. The product must satisfy the needs and wants
of the consumer. For e.g.: The main function of an Air Conditioner (AC) is to provide quick
cooling of a room. So, AC must be designed in such a way that it can cool a room as fast as
technologically possible. If it doesn't meet basic expectations, the consumers won't buy it.
7. Aesthetics: Aesthetics must be kept in mind while designing a product. It refers to, how the
product looks, feels, tastes or smells. The product must look, feel, taste or smell very good. It
must be attractive, compact & convenient to use. Its packaging must also be made colorful. If
this is not considered, product will fail in the market. It is very important; a product is designed
for targeted to the young generation that is emerging with a modern mindset and current trends.