Chapter 12 – Science

Key Question:
What factors make structures useful and attractive?

Looking Ahead: The product development process considers human wants and needs, and also societal and environmental factors.

Structures that are symmetrical are usually more stable and more aesthetically (visually) pleasing than those that are asymmetrical. Structures intended for human use need to be designed for human characteristics.

The skills of scientific inquiry can be used to study the ergonomics of everyday tools.

VOCABULARY:

Symmetry: an exact reflection on opposite sides of a line dividing an object in half.

Ergonomics: the science of using knowledge of human characteristics to design structures and systems that are comfortable, safe, and efficient.

Line of symmetry: a line that divides an object in half; helps display symmetry.

Repetitive strain injury: damage usually to the small muscles of the wrists or hands from repeated activities over a long period of time.

Aesthetics: the concept of how visually attractive or beautiful something is.

Universal design: an arrangement of the components of a structure or device resulting in the most user-friendly product possible.

12.1: Science – The Product Development Process
Companies consider three important sets of factors before they build a new product or redesign an existing product. These three factors are: design, manufacturing, and sales.

Design Factors: factors to consider before beginning designing and manufacturing new backpacks.

Individual users:
What design features should we include in our backpacks?
Keep in mind the design to match each individuals needs/tastes.
Is the backpack the best design or should there be frontpacks and sidepacks?

Society:
Environmental concerns (does making your product hurt the environment?)
Recourses (what materials will you need?)
Transportation (will the product be made locally or globally?)

Economy:
Locally vs. globally (is your product going to be made in foreign countries or locally?)
Export vs. Import (how will this affect the cost for materials?)
Should the product be made in Canada

Environment:
Should you make the product as recyclable?

Safety & Health:
Best size & weight (will lower shipping costs & and will be easier to use)
Become as light as possible (to avoid sore shoulders & backs)

Legal Aspects:
What materials is the product made of? (Dangerous levels of toxins such as led might be one of