Product design and development, often referred to as technological design, is a critical part of researching, developing and manufacturing products. Products must be designed and developed with the user in mind, as well as the technical capabilities and limitations of the product. To this end, there are several characteristics that define a product developed by technological design.
Functionality: The primary characteristic of any product developed by technological design is its functionality. It must perform the tasks it was intended to do, whether that’s heating food or navigating a route from point A to point B. This requires careful consideration of the product’s design elements; for example, if a product needs to be waterproof then it must have materials and components which enable it to withstand water.
Usability: Usability is another key characteristic of a product developed by technological design. It must be easy to use and understand. This means that controls should be intuitively laid out and easily accessible, while instructions should be clear and concise so that users can quickly learn how to operate the product.
Safety: A high priority for any product developed by technological design is safety. It must meet all relevant safety standards such as those set out by UL (Underwriters Laboratories). Furthermore, its materials should be non-toxic or otherwise hazardous in order to protect users from potential harm.
Durability: Durability is an important factor when designing a technologically advanced product. The materials used should be able to withstand wear and tear over time without compromising the performance of the product. Furthermore, components should also be designed with longevity in mind; for example, using durable connectors which are not prone to corrosion.
Performance: Finally, performance is another key characteristic when designing products using technological design principles. The performance of a product should meet or exceed expectations; for example, if it’s a router then its speed should exceed what was promised in its marketing materials.
In conclusion, products developed by technological design must take into account several key characteristics including functionality, usability, safety, durability and performance in order to ensure they are successful in meeting their intended purpose.