Recreating a Database for Consumer Product Design

Abstract

Product evolution can often lead to degradation of product integrity rather than product improvement. This situation is the result of design programs run under unrealistic time schedules as consumer products are rushed to market, or of programs in which the potentials of product research efforts are underestimated. nestan teams redesigning standard consumer products often are asked to work with less than sufficient information, and companies rely heavily on existing products for examples. A limited base of information leads to consumer products developed with Incomplete or faulty design criteria, including criteria generated with arbitrary prioritization. Product research programs can be executed in reasonable time frames. Research can provide design teams with a product database, redirecting design efforts towards product improvement that accomodate a larger market share, or accomodate an identified market subgroup. narket advantages and increased sales can result. A methodology for formulating a product database is described.