Examples of specification points and reasons - using an
alarm as the example:-
| Must be safe in use |
It must be finished with non toxic products. No sharp
edges or rough areas that could cause injury. Electrically safe,
mechanically safe. No trapping of hands or fingers. Securely fixed
as it could cause injury if they fell onto a hand or foot. |
| Must function |
Act as a deterrent to theft or damage. |
| Must be attractive - aesthetically pleasing. |
The design must be suitable for its environment ( where it it
is used). Marketable quality. |
| Must be cost effective. |
The client must be able to afford the product if it was to be
manufactured. It must not use excessive amounts of material. Estimated
materials cost should not exceed £15.00 |
| Must be made using school facilities and my own skills |
The project must be made under supervision to ensure that it is
my own work. Teacher and technician guidance is essential. |
| Must be made using easily available materials and components. |
The manufacture of my product will be slowed down if the materials
and components are hard to obtain. |
| Must be strong enough for its intended purpose. |
An alarm may not get much rough treatment unless it is portable.
Must be strong to protect the internal components against damage/accidents. |
| Must be durable. |
Stand up to being in regular use. Outside use - weather proof. |
| Must be finished to a high quality |
Non toxic finish, no rough edges, must be high quality. High quality
products demand a higher price. Must work effectively. Must be reliable. |
| Must be portable/fixed |
Easily attached or setup. Secure once in place. Resistant to interference. |
| Must be secure |
Could be locked to prevent interference. |
| Must be comfortable or easy to use (ERGONOMICS) |
Easy to operate, set up and activate (turn on). |
| Must be the right size for the client (e.g. ANTHROPOMETRIC data
is used whenever people interact with machine or products to make
sure that the sizes are suitable, this data is also very important
for clothing and of course ERGONOMICS
makes great use of anthropometric data) |
Handles/buttons must be the right size to hold and operate. Hand
and fingers must not get trapped. |
