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Learning ladderYou must:• create a range of different types of specifications in detail for a

range of products.

You should:• identify ways of remembering how to analyse a product.• describe a range of different specifications and outline their uses.

You could:• describe why specifications are used in industry.

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IntroductionIn groups, analyse a product and write a specification for it using the ACCESS FM criteria to guide you:

• A Aesthetics: what does the product look like?• C Cost: how much does the product cost to buy and make?• C Customer: who would buy or use the product?• E Environment: where would the product be used or stored?• S Size: how big or small is the product?• S Safety: how safe is it during normal use?

• F Function: how does the product work?• M Material: what is the product made from?

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Specifications• A specification is a description of a product. There are different types of

specifications depending on the level of detail that is required and the part of the product that is being considered.

• Specifications are used to ensure the designer and manufacturer stay focused on the original aims. It helps ensure the client’s needs are met and that identical and accurate products are made. A product is tested against a specification as a measure of its quality and accuracy.

• All specifications might include essential criteria that must be included in the product, as well as desirable criteria which is less important.

• The ACCESS FM sheet you used in the introduction is a quick and easy way of remembering the key things you need to think about when writing a basic specification. This PowerPoint® will show you other types of specifications and how to write them.

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Anthropometrics • Anthropometrics and ergonomics

play an important part when creating a specification.

• Anthropometrics is the study of human measurements.

• This information is used to design products that fit people or the situations they are in.

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Ergonomics• Ergonomics is the study of how people interact

with objects, systems and the environment. Anthropometric information is used to help make things ergonomically friendly.

• By considering anthropometrics and ergonomics in their work, designers can make things easier for us to use and they can make products suitable for the ‘average’ person.

• Ergonomics is particularly important for producing items for people with disabilities where good design can enhance the quality of people’s lives.

An ergonomic workstation

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Design, product and manufacturer’s specifications (1)

Design specification • This is created from the design brief and describes what the client

wants. It can sometimes be quite vague.

Product specification • This is more focused and gives specific details on the product

being designed and made.

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Design, product and manufacturer’s specifications (2)

Manufacturer’s specification • This is used in industry as a

set of guidelines for production.

• It includes a very detailed and accurate product specification, technical information, as well as information on planning, timings and quality.

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Design and product specificationsEssential criteria Desirable criteriaClient name e.g. Top Shop, Teenage girl

Name of product e.g. bag, trousers

Purpose/function e.g. casual wear, learning toy

Where/when it will be usede.g. party, bedroom

Theme/colourse.g. 60s, pink, Arsenal colours

Sizes/measurementse.g. size 12, age 5, 40cm square

Fabrics and components e.g. cotton denim, buttons

Minimum/maximum costse.g. less than £20, between £20–£50

Construction techniques e.g. fastenings, edges, seams, shaping, other techniques

Decorative techniques e.g. appliqué, CAM embroidery, beads, sequins

Other info e.g. values issues, durability, aftercare, safety, regulations and laws, specialist machinery, ergonomics

Task 1: writing specifications

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• Write a product specification for the bag in the picture.

Essential criteria Desirable criteria

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Performance specification• A performance specification describes how a

product is expected to behave and is particularly important in functional products and products that have to perform well in extreme circumstances.

• This type of specification includes information found in other types of specifications but in particular the points relate to what the product will do, how it will work, how it will behave, and so on. rather than how it looks, e.g. strength, breathability, resistance to water, wind and chemicals, and so on.

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Task 2: writing specifications• Write a performance specification for the firefighter's uniform in the

picture.

Essential criteria Desirable criteria

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Fabric specification• A fabric specification is a detailed description of the fabric a product

is made from. It is used to help ensure a designer or manufacturer chooses an appropriate fabric for a product.

• The specification includes information on the fibre, construction method and appearance of the fabric as well as information on its properties. Additional information such as any surface finishes and any relevant legislation might also be included.

• A fabric specification is made from the essential criteria the fabric must have, e.g. a fabric used for a baby product must be soft. It also sets out desirable criteria the fabric should have if possible.

• When writing a fabric specification a designer has to think about what the product will be and how it will be expected to behave.

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Writing a fabric specificationA fabric specification should include the following information:

• Fibre name• Fabric name • Surface appearance • Fabric properties • Fabric construction• Fabric finishes• Other information, e.g. any relevant laws and regulations .

You can also write a specification for any components you are using.

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Task 3: writing specifications Write a fabric specification for the ski jacket in the picture.

Essential criteria Desirable criteriaFibre, e.g. cotton

Fabric name, e.g. denim

Fabric construction,e.g. woven, knitted, bonded

Surface appearance, e.g. fluffy, open, bobbly

Properties, e.g. creases, washable, frays, warm, absorbent, washfast

Other information, e.g. fabric finishes, relevant laws and regulations