Question 1: A company has designed a new reusable water bottle with an ergonomic shape and a leak-proof lid. Describe three features that make this design effective. Then, suggest one improvement to enhance its usability.

Answer: Effective features include: an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in the hand, a leak-proof lid to prevent spills, and a lightweight material for portability. An improvement could be adding a textured grip to prevent slipping.

Question 2: You are shown a sketch of a chair with a curved backrest and four straight legs. The designer claims it is comfortable and stable. Critically evaluate these claims and suggest one additional feature to improve comfort or stability.

Answer: The curved backrest may support the lower back, contributing to comfort. The four straight legs likely provide stability if evenly spaced and securely attached. To improve comfort, a padded seat could be added. To enhance stability, cross-braces between the legs could be included.

Question 3: Imagine you are reviewing a new smartphone case made from flexible silicone with textured sides for grip. Identify two advantages of this design and discuss one possible limitation.

Answer: Advantages include: the flexible silicone provides shock absorption, protecting the phone from drops, and textured sides improve grip, reducing the chance of slipping. A limitation could be that the textured surface may attract dirt or dust over time.

Question 4: Design a simple plan for a storage container that is stackable, easy to carry, and prevents items from falling out. Label key features in your plan.

Answer: A plan should include: a rectangular container with a secure latch to prevent opening, a flat, interlocking lid for stacking stability, ergonomic handles on sides for easy carrying, and a slightly raised lip around the opening to prevent items from falling out.

Question 5: Sketch a design for an eco-friendly shopping bag intended to carry heavy groceries. Include labels for at least three key features that improve strength and sustainability.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a large, sturdy bag made from recycled materials, with reinforced handles for strength, and a wide base to distribute weight evenly. Labels should identify reinforced stitching, recycled fabric, and a wide, flat base.

Question 6: A new bicycle helmet is designed with multiple vents for airflow and an adjustable strap system. Evaluate how these features contribute to user safety and comfort, and suggest one additional feature that could improve the helmet.

Answer: Vents improve airflow, reducing heat buildup and increasing comfort during use. The adjustable strap ensures a secure fit, enhancing safety by preventing the helmet from slipping. An additional feature could be a reflective strip for increased visibility in low light conditions.

Question 7: Identify two factors that should be considered when evaluating the durability of a plastic product used outdoors. Provide a brief explanation for each.

Answer: Factors include: weather resistance—plastic must withstand rain, sun, and temperature changes without degrading; and impact resistance—plastic should resist cracking or breaking if bumped or dropped.

Question 8: Describe a scenario where a product's aesthetic appeal might conflict with its functional performance. How could this conflict be addressed during the design process?

Answer: An example could be a sleek, minimalist smartphone with a very thin body that looks attractive but is fragile and prone to damage. To address this, designers could incorporate subtle reinforcements or choose more durable materials that do not compromise the aesthetic.

Question 9: Create a brief design brief for a portable, foldable camping chair intended for backpackers. Include at least three key design considerations and suggest how you might evaluate whether the final design meets these considerations.

Answer: Design considerations include: lightweight construction for easy carrying; sturdy yet foldable frame for stability and compactness; comfortable seating surface. Evaluation methods could include weight testing, stability tests on uneven ground, and user comfort surveys.