Written by: Erik
9/20/2008 10:21 PM

 What is good product design? Engineers, marketers, and designers have been trying to write this definition for a long time. One answer that keeps coming back is that good design is that which fills users' needs the best. This is a simple-minded paraphrase of all the work that has been done around user needs analysis and the multitude of user needs discovery processes that have been developed. It's been repeatedly shown that products that can do a great job meeting user needs often go on to be great successes in the marketplace. But is that enough? Is there more than just filling user needs?

The cotton swab is a great product. Countless billions have been sold since the product was introduced in 1923. It is an incredibly simple product that excels at fitting user needs. It can be used for cleaning the ears, cleaning cuts and bruises, applying make-up, cleaning small objects, or use it for arts and crafts. But would the cotton swab have been so successful if each swab cost a dollar, or if the swabs leaked mercury, or if the swabs broke after one wipe? Most likely, no. For success of a product, more than just the basic functional needs of the user must be met. A good product must also meet the emotional needs of the user, the needs of the environment, the financial needs of the user, and the needs of the manufacturer and distribution networks.

Read more... at www.productdesignresources.com

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