Impact on people
There is a link between the development of technology and people. On the one hand, people influence how technology is developed in order to suit their own wants and needs. On the other hand, technological developments change people's lifestyle and behaviours. In some instances, technology supports the needs of particular groups.
Technology push
Research and development in science and industry can lead to new discoveries, which can be used to improve existing products or develop new ones. This is known as When technology advances enough to invent or develop new products., and it happens before there is In business, a consumer is a person who uses a product and may also buy it. demand for a product. Research and development is valuable for companies who are the first to introduce a new, An innovative person creates new ideas or methods of doing something. An innovative product introduces new ideas or methods. product. A mobile phone with a powerful processor that is capable of running applications and accessing the internet. are an example of a product developed due to technology push, where existing touchscreen technology was used to improve the mobile phone market.
Market pull
When consumer demand forces the invention or development of a new product. is when product ideas are produced in response to market forces or customer needs. Examples of this include the development of cameras, which have become smaller, more lightweight and higher performing as a result of customer needs.
Changes in fashion trends
Fashion trends continue to be influenced by changing technology. Wearable items embrace new technology, such as high-tech watches, while textile technology utilises electrically-conductive material or 3D-printing technology. Embracing new technology allows products to remain popular with a modern market while creating new and An innovative person creates new ideas or methods of doing something. An innovative product introduces new ideas or methods. looks like the dress below with 3D-printed panels. When manufacturers and retailers try to predict the trends or fashions over the following years so that they can design and make products that people will want in the future. are able to predict the future patterns and colours two years before products come onto the market, and A person or company that makes something from raw materials or from an assembly of component parts. can buy this information to influence their designs and enable them to keep ahead of their Another producer who sells similar products..
Physical disabilities
Products aimed at users with physical disabilities will ensure they can use the product with ease. User needs are met by understanding the nature of the physical disability, eg visual impairment, mobility restrictions or motor control. The range of everyday products that help to increase independence continues to grow.
Elderly
When designing products aimed at elderly users, it is important to understand the difficulties this user group may experience, such as mobility issues, visual impairment and hearing loss. An example of a product aimed at this group is a long shoehorn, which will allow an elderly person to put a shoe on without having to bend down.
Religious groups
Religious groups have a variety of preferences that can be addressed through design. The use of certain symbols, dietary restrictions and clothing requirements all need to be considered so that beliefs are upheld.
