iii. Analyze a range of existing products that inspire a solution to the problem
There may be a wide range of products that solve similar problems to the one assigned to students. Before beginning to develop a specification and designs, students need to identify existing products that solve a similar problem, could partially solve their problem or could give them ideas on how to solve their problem. Students will need to employ a range of strategies to analyse these products, such as:
- identification of and interaction with similar products when out shopping
- attribute listing of existing products
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats)
- functional analysis
- aesthetic analysis
- graphical disassembly analysis
- performance testing of products
- evaluation of past student projects
- secondary research through product reviews on consumer websites, buying guides or magazines
- summary of customer reviews on commercial websites.