product design (product evaluation)

Section (a)
I will be analysing an electric toothbrush. The design aspects I will be focusing on are;
Function
Performance
Market
Aesthetics
Ergonomics
Economics
Function
Primary functions of a toothbrush are- to wash teeth clean better/easier than an ordinary toothbrush.
Secondary functions are-
Timer so it’s easy to estimate the right time of washing teeth.
Battery indication so you know when to charge it before it dies,
Changeable ends so more people can use the same toothbrush and so it lasts longer.
Anti-slip surface so it is easy to hold when wet.
Come in different colours so it would suit a wider audience.
Rechargeable so it less money is spent on batteries.
Aesthetically pleasing because people will most likely buy things that look nice.
Fitness for purpose-
It has to be able to fit in your mouth so the teeth can be cleaned easily. Is it rechargeable? Does it plug in or is it on a stand?
Plug - if the base isn’t wide enough it won’t be able to stand, if it isn’t able to stand the head will get dirty a lot easier which is unhygienic.
Stand – is it easy to put the brush on the station? Is it quick and safe? Will it be stable?
Is the head small enough? When the head is small it makes it easier and more accurate to wash teeth behind and between the gaps.

Performance
Planned obsolescence for a toothbrush is a year max two.
If rechargeable the built in batteries will get used out so the toothbrush will then have to be constantly charged until dead.
The moving parts will get worn out which will make the cleaning as efficient.
The anti-slip surface rubber will eventually get damaged so it might become slippery and look bad.
The colours will fade out and it will look old.
Value for money-
Is the toothbrush worth its price?
Are the materials good quality? Good quality materials will cost more but will last longer.
Can it be repaired? If it can is it worth repairing it?
If it is limited edition it will cost