People
Design & Technology: AQA GCSE, topic 1.1.4
People
The impact of new and emerging technologies affect people in different ways:
Technology push
- Technology push is where a new technology is invented and then designers or engineers use it in a new product. Technology is pushing the innovation of a new product.
- It is not led by consumer demand, however it is appealing to people as it produces innovative products and increases choice.
Examples of technology push
- Examples include:
- Dyson developed the cyclone technology inside his vacuum cleaners creating a bagless design.
- Touch screen technology was integrated into mobile phones.
Market pull
- Market pull is where consumers have a need or desire for a new product and it is then developed and produced. This could be a new product or an upgrade.
- This is led by consumer demand and helps to maintain brand loyalty and create new customers.
Examples of market pull
- Examples include:
- The culture of taking a selfie and posting on social media lead to a demand for smartphones to have integrated forward facing cameras.
- The social pressure put upon companies to help the environment, led to the development of biodegradable plastic bags that degrade after use.
Choice
- People now have a lot more choice about the products they buy.
- They can shop all over the world and products are posted to their door.
- The market is competitive so prices are kept low.
Changing job roles
- More technological advancements and automation means machines are replacing low-skilled workers.
- The industry is changing all the time and people need transferrable and adaptable skills to keep up.