Consumer Behavior and Technology Impact

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Questions and Answers

What primarily drives new product development within companies?

Research and Development (correct)

Advertising strategies

Consumer preferences

Market competition

Technology push refers to consumer-driven pressure for manufacturers to develop new products.

False

Name one potential advantage of being the first company to market with a new product.

Key advantage over competitors

Consumer-driven pressure causes manufacturers to continuously develop new products or add functionality, known as __________.

Market Pull Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best exemplifies a technology push?

Electric carving knives Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their definitions:

Technology Push = New technologies introduced to the market. Market Pull = Consumer demand shaping product development. R&D = Research focused on creating new products. Job Role Changes = Shifts in employment due to new working methods. Signup and view all the answers

In what year did Philips release their first LED lightbulb?

2009 Signup and view all the answers

Research and Development centers are primarily focused on market trends rather than technological advancements.

False Signup and view all the answers

The initial retail price of LED bulbs was low.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of a product that may not have changed significantly over decades?

Microwave Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern was raised about the production of the new UK £5 note?

Use of tallow derived from animal fat Signup and view all the answers

Philips Lighting dedicated its research team to developing LED bulb technology for over ____ years.

20 Signup and view all the answers

Match the cultural elements with their descriptions:

Sitting on the floor = Japanese mealtime practice Red = Stop or danger in many cultures Tallow = Substance derived from animal fat LED technology = Used in energy-efficient lighting Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of market pull in the context of LED bulbs?

Consumer demand for energy-efficient solutions Signup and view all the answers

Cultural issues do not impact how information is presented.

False Signup and view all the answers

What impact has automation had on job roles in factories?

Automation has changed or reduced traditional production line jobs. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exam Questions

Exam questions may cover how technology impacts consumer choice and employment.
Students should understand how new job roles emerge from changing work methods.
Students should be aware of fashion trends and how they impact designers and manufacturers.
Students should understand the potential positive and negative societal impacts of new products.

People

Understanding the market is crucial for designers and manufacturers.
What works for one person may not work for another.
How companies tailor products to appeal to diverse user needs is a key consideration.
Personal preferences and needs influence the decision to purchase a product, which varies across individuals.

Research & Development

New inventions and technological advancements drive new product development.
Research and development (R&D) is a primary driver for innovations.
Companies often have their own R&D centers, giving them a competitive edge.
Companies introducing new products are usually in a favourable position.
Products with new technology may have a higher price.
Consumers are often unaware of the advantages of new technologies.
Some new technologies may not be very practical or immediately useful.

Market Pull

Consumer demand influences manufacturers to create new or improved products.
Continuous innovation ensures products hold their relevance.
How consumers would react to the lack of smart functionalities on new smartphones is a crucial question.
Considerations like perceived needs for increased functionality and expected technological advancement are crucial for the consumer.

Case Studies

Synthetic Spider Silk: Spider silk's strength and elasticity could revolutionize clothing, but its production remains a challenge. The first company to effectively produce synthetic spider silk would have a considerable advantage and large profits.
LED Bulbs: LED bulb technology, while invented decades ago, saw market success only recently. Philips dedicated significant research efforts and were pioneering in this field, earning awards for their work, highlighting the interplay between technological progress and market demand.
£5 Note: The new UK £5 note contains tallow, a component derived from animal fat, creating conflict with certain religious and ethical groups in the UK. This highlights the potential ethical and societal impacts of product design.

New Ways of Working

Automation significantly impacts job roles.
Robots have transformed factory production line jobs.
Changes in computer-based administration roles need consideration.
Some jobs remain unchanged by technological advancement.

Fashion and Trends

Material, technical and fashion developments drive design trends throughout history, influencing the evolution of fashion, particularly with new examples such as headphones.
Students should identify developments in materials and technology that have contributed to the designs of current headphones.
These developments can originate from consumer demand or from research efforts.

Cultural Design

Design preferences are shaped by cultural norms.
Japanese culture usually involves seating on the floor during meals, thus impacting the design of tables and chairs differently compared with the rest of the world.
Cultural factors can significantly influence the presentation and interpretation of information and products.

The Meaning of Colour

Colours may carry varied meanings across cultures and contexts; red, for example, can symbolise both danger and positive emotions like happiness and good luck.
This is a factor in how products are designed.

Design Considering Various Groups

Different groups may have distinct perspectives on textile and fashion designs.
The need to fulfil the specific criteria of various cultures and religions during the design process needs to be duly noted.
Design considerations should avoid potentially negative impacts on various socio-cultural communities.

Culture and Society

Society and cultural demands influence and drive design choices.
Products can be influenced by social and cultural expectations including delivery methods for products.

Embracing Change

Technological advancements and design innovation have continuously shaped the development of new ideas.

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Description

This quiz assesses your understanding of how technology influences consumer choice and employment, as well as the emergence of new job roles. It also explores the societal implications of product development and the importance of market understanding for designers and manufacturers.