Consumer associations play an important role in product evaluation by carrying out tests on behalf of consumers to determine if products meet quality standards. They compare similar products in a market and recommend those that offer the best value. The media also contributes by featuring consumer and lifestyle programs that report on new products. Education contributes through curriculum that teaches design principles so consumers can better evaluate products. Consumer associations set guidelines for products and handle complaints to provide recourse if standards are not met. They publish results so consumers have data to inform their purchasing decisions.

1. Ines Chan Elaine Lui SunMin Lee EVALUATION AND THE CONSUMER

2. #1. DEFINE VALUE FOR MONEY.

3. Value for Money The relationship between the worth of the product and the amount of cash spent on it.

4. #2. COMPARE PRICE WITH VALUE WHEN ASSESSING A PRODUCT FOR VALUE FOR MONEY.

5. If price is too high, there may be lack of consumers willing to buy the product If the price is too low, consumers may think it is too cheap to have much value. Demand for a product from the public establishes the maximum price Costs of production determines the minimum price However, price may be affected by competitors (ex. competitive pricing) or the general perceived value of the product

6. #3. Explain how consumers apply criteria to evaluate a product for value for money, referring to before purchse, purchase, initial use, and long term use.

9. Discuss how the criteria in point 3 are assigned different weightings depending on the design context. Consumers and designers have slightly different values of a product. Consumers value: Utility Security Availability Rarity Aesthetics Designers Value: Function Reliability Ease of maintenance Value judgements also depend according to the Individual The time/era

10. Discuss how the criteria in point 3 are assigned different weightings depending on the design context. Consumers and designers have slightly different values of a product. Consumers value: Utility Security Availability Rarity Aesthetics Designers Value: Function Reliability Ease of maintenance Value judgements also depend according to the Individual The time/era

11. Value judgement Vary according to each individual Designers may value Function ease of use stability of product Customers may value the Utility Security Availability rarity aesthetics While customers may like to purchase product based on both short-term and long-term values, designers mainly consider its function over its form (unless the product is designed to be looked at; e.g. art) for the benefit of the customer

12. #5. Explain the relevance of quality assurance to consumer associations for product evaluation

13. Quality assurance Consumers are not required to carry out research and tests on the products that they buy If a product fails to meet certain standards, consumers have a means of redress Consumer associations These are independent organizations; they are the ones who carry out the tests on behalf of the consumers They set what guidelines a product should meet They make comparisons against the products in a similar market and evaluate the products The two are relevant because quality assurance is carried out by the consumer associations

14. # 6.The role of consumer associations for product evaluation

16. Provide published data for consumers.

18. #7.Explain the contribution of the media and education to product evaluation

19. Consumer and lifestyle programme to product evaluation. Consumer and lifestyle programmes on television. Weekend sections of newspapers and consumer journals. Focused on new products. Curriculum development and design education in schools.