Task Analysis

Task Analysis

1. Function

   • What will the product do for the consumer? Will it make their lives easier?
   • How will it work? Switch? Button?
   • How will it be powered? Batteries or plugged into the mains?
   • How will it be turned on/off? Switch, button?
   • Does it have a primary or secondary function? What does it do apart from provide light? Storage?
   • Where will it be used? Bedroom, study?
   • Who can use my product? Children?
   • Safety consideration: Is it safe for children?
   • What research will be undertaken? Internet?

2. Aesthetics

   • Will the product look like it caters for my specific target audience?
   • Will it be colourful and bright?
   • How would it appeal to my target audience?
     • Will it be styled in a certain way?
   • Design idea inspirations?
   • Will the materials I intend to use affect the style of my product?
     • Would the cheap materials look tacky?
   • Research required? Where from?

3. Cost

   • Value for money?
     • Is it cheap?
     • Does it last as long as it should for the price?
   • Materials
     • Cheap materials?
     • Durable?
     • Stylish?
   • Prototype
     • I'm creating lighting, full scale model required?
   • The product
     • How much does the product cost to create?
     • Selling price?
     • Profit margins? (%)
   • Research required regarding the cost of the product?
     • Internet websites? (Ikea etc.)
     • Individual shops?
     • Large companies? (The Range, Ikea etc.)

4. Environment

   • What materials am I going to use to manufacture? Recyclable?
   • Will there be an enviromental impact from my product?
   • Will it be easily disposable?
   • Does the manufacture process affect the environment?
   • Where will the product be used? Indoor/outdoor?
   • What information will I find out about these points? What research will I do?
   • What research will I undertake to find out about environmental issues/materials?

5. User

   • Who is my target audience? Adults, teenagers?
   • What is their gender? Male or female?
   • What interests do they have? Hobbies?
   • Where and why will my product be used?
   • Will my product be safe?
   • What research will I find out about what the user wants?

6. Quality

   • How will I ensure my product is of a good quality?
   • Is CAD/CAM needed for accuracy and quality?
   • Am I going to make templates/jigs?
   • What materials will be used? Cheaper materials possible?
   • How will I check the quality of my product during production?
   • What manufacturing processes could I use?
   • Will I test the materials prior to manufacturing?

7. Ergonomics

   • Will people be the consumer of my product? What parts of it?
   • Weight, shape, size and comfort? How important are these factors?
   • Are instructions required? If so, are they provided?
   • What research needs to be undertaken for ergonomics? Where from?