Evaluating graphic products

You need to be able to evaluate [evaluate: assess or judge the value of ] graphic products - whether they are existing products, or products that you design and make yourself. In your coursework you will be asked both to look to well-designed existing products for inspiration, and to check that your own designs meet up to their specification [specification: a statement that tells the designer exactly what the product has to do and what the design requirements are. ].

Evaluating existing products

1. Using the product

This involves asking the following questions:

• is the product easy or convenient to use?
• does it do its job?
• does it appeal to the user?

2. Performance testing

The product is tested to see that it meets its specification and the following questions are asked:

• does it do the job for which it was designed?
• does it fit into the place where it is used?
• does it meet other specification requirements?

3. Testing for appropriateness

This is a check to see if a product meets the needs of the users and the environment. The following questions are asked:

• Does it suit the needs of the users?
• Are the materials used transported over long distances?
• Is it made in the local area?
• Is it made from renewable energy sources and materials?
• Are the use of the product and its disposal after use friendly to the environment?

Evaluating your own product

The standards for judging your own products are not really any different from those for judging products you buy. Here is a checklist:

1. Does it meet the design need or situation? Look back at your notes to see what the need or situation was, and check to make sure that your product meets this need. For example, an information leaflet needs to be designed to appeal to its intended audience - otherwise the information won't get through!
2. Does it meet the needs of the intended users? Check that the person who is going to use the product likes the final result. Does it fit into their home? Is the cost appropriate?
3. Is it fit for the purpose it was made for? Does the product do what was intended? For example, if you built an adjustable lamp, is it stable? Does it direct the light where it is needed?