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Describes an appropriate problem

The design problem should be clearly stated using supporting materials.

Supporting materials can/should include, photographs, summarised results of a comprehensive interviews/questionnaires,  with potential clients, extracts from letters, magazines (consumer report magazines could be useful) or news, statistics (such an injuries, performance, etc), existing example (showing how it doesn’t fit the needs of the client), etc.

Establish why it is a problem i.e. prove there is a need.

Establish where it is occurring.

Describes an appropriate problem that leads to a design opportunity.

Lifestyle or image board

Concluding summary of the problem

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Design Technology Wiki | Main / Image Boards

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An image board is a collage of images with some annotations. It is used to better understand the target market and provide a platform of inspiration for ideas or solving problems. There are basically five types, lifestyle, mood, styling, usage and location.

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Explains the key findings from relevant market and user research

The key findings should be  as a summary that shows evidence of:

Carry out market research and user research.

Have a research plan that you follow

This research will/should help you to develop your marketing and design specifications (Task B1)

The feasibility of the project should be researched.

Quantitative and qualitative data collected using a range of techniques and appropriate primary and secondary sources

An analysis of competing or similar products.

Surveying potential users regarding existing products

Types of shops the product is sold in.

Types of customers

Key features such as dimensions, cost, etc

Key findings are summarised

Establish why the research data (information) is relevant and useful for the development of the solution

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Market research

Market research often identifies how to improve the product, service or system and increase its chance of success within a particular sector or segment. The price a user is prepared to pay is usually determined through market research. This in turn sets an upper limit of cost to the design and production of a potential product, service or system. Market research has a crucial role in determining the constraints a designer has to work within.

Often designers will work on projects that have new and radically unfamiliar contexts. This will deepen their understanding of market research, equipping them with a range of tools and skills that they can employ in many areas of life and empowering them as lifelong learners.

Types of Data

Primary vs Secondary

Qualitative vs Quantitative

Purpose of market research

There are many purposes of market research.

Gathering information in order to be able to generate new ideas for a product

Evaluating the market potential of products at various stages of development

Developing ideas into products to suit market requirements

Identifying suitable promotional strategies

Gathering information relating to demographics

Gathering information relating to family roles

Collecting data relating to economic trends

Taking into account technological trends and scientific advances

Gathering information about consumers

Considering consumers’ reactions to technology and green design and the subsequent impact on design development and market segmentation

Relate these purposes to your own project work.

Consumers’ reaction

To technology

Technophile: Someone who immediately welcomes a technological change – early adopters.

Technocautious: Someone who needs some convincing before embracing technological change – majority to late majority

Technophobe: Someone who resists all technological change  – laggards.

Green design:

Eco-warriors actively demonstrate on environmental issues

Eco-champions champion environmental issues within organizations

Eco-fans enthusiastically adopt environmentally friendly practices as consumers.

Eco-phobes actively resent talk of environmental protection

These attitudes have a subsequent impact on design development and market segmentation. This will direct the companies products to certain target markets.

Article on Cultivating the Green Consumer that consumer demand for green products.

Market research strategies

Understanding that market research is a key element of the design project, students need to select from a range of strategies that will help them find out what the client wants and needs. It is important to note that often, what the client thinks they want and what they need can be very different things. There are many strategies for the student to identify the need, which include:

Literature search:

The use of consumer reports and newspaper items to follow historical development. Useful sources of information could include CD-ROMs, such as encyclopaedias and newspapers, or more specific disks, subject-specific magazines and manufacturers’ information.

many sources of information are available

there may be an abundance of data, which can be too time-consuming.

Data can be both qualitative or quantitative

Expert appraisal:

The reliance on the knowledge and skills of an expert in the operation of the product. For example, expert knowledge and advice are gained (compared to a user trial), but the expert may be biased.

Expert knowledge can help decide design direction.

It may also be difficult to locate an expert.

Data is usually qualitative.

User trial:

The observation of people using a product and collection of comments from people who have used a product.

The “user” is a non-specialist, which makes trials easier and cost-effective.

However, users may carry out tasks in different ways from those expected and be inexperienced.

Data is usually qualitative.

User research:

Obtaining users’ responses through questionnaires/surveys and interviews.

It is cheap and quick to conduct

The data collect if qualitative or statistics can be produced (quantitative)

Perceptual mapping:

Quickly compare a product to others in the market due to it being a graphical representation.

It is simple and easy to construct.

It is qualitative as it examines consumer perceptions.

Could be biased.

Environmental scanning:

Slideshare on Environmental scanning

Environmental analysis is careful study of various factors influencing the business. It is the process by which organization monitor their relevant environment to identify opportunities and threats affecting their business.

Disadvantages include lack of detailed information or specifics of what constitutes these opportunities or threats it may need much more research or specific data to identify usable information. – not yet ready needs fixing.

Students need to draw from the above list when identifying a design opportunity and, prior to this, must have developed an understanding of these strategies. To this end, they should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the research strategies listed above in relation to the nature, reliability and cost of the research and importance to the design development process.

International Mindedness

Determining the purpose of market research allows designers to clearly identify who needs to be included and their differing requirements.

Theory of Knowledge

What are the assumptions that underlie methods used to gain knowledge in this area?

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The Design Brief

A detailed design brief comprises the expected outcome and broad requirements determined from the market and user research. The feasibility of the project should also be considered.

The design brief is the formal starting point for a new design. Occurs when the designer presents the design to the client. It is a statement of the expectations of the design.

The brief does not provide the design solution, but is a statement that sets out:

the design goal (for example, a working prototype to be evaluated in terms of its feasibility for volume production)

the target Audience for the product. For example for children, disabled adults, etc.

the target market for the product. for example, market sector (a broad way of categorizing the kinds of markets a company is aiming for) or market segment (markets divided up into smaller segments where the consumers have similar characteristics and tastes).

the major constraints/parameters (these have to be in such as legislation or food safety regulations). For example, should comply with new legislation, have fewer working parts, be cheaper to manufacture) within which it must be achieved

the criteria (these are wishes, it would be great if??) by which a good design proposal may be achieved (for example, increased value for money and/or cost-effectiveness for manufacturer).

The feasibility of the project

Scale of production.

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Task B1 Success Criteria Design Specifications)

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Task B1 Success Criteria Design Specifications)

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Marketing specifications

Marketing specifications relate to market and user characteristics of the proposed design.

Target market—Consideration only needs to be given to market sectors and segments.

Target audience—Differentiate between the target market and the target audience. Characteristics of the users should be established.

Market analysis—A summary is required of the important information gathered about:  potential users and the market.  An appraisal of economic viability of the proposed design from a market perspective is important taking into account fixed and variable costs and pricing. Analysed the market in terms of potential users, size and economic viability

User need—Specifications should identify the essential requirements that the product must satisfy in relation to market and user need.

Competition—A thorough analysis of competing designs is required to establish the market need. The marketing specification must be developed from the design brief and research.

Marketing Specifications Explained

This should be on approximately one A4 (letter) page or equivalent.

(v) Design Specifications

A design specification relates to the precise set of requirements of a product:

The requirements should include:

aesthetic requirements

cost constraints

customer requirements

environmental requirements

size constraints

safety considerations

performance requirements and constraints

materials requirements

manufacturing requirements

any other you can think off …

All of the requirements and constraints need to be:

justified

specific (exactly what it has to be),

feasible

measurable (so think of tests that you may perform).

evidence that the design specification are drawn from the research (your research plan would help outline your specifications).

The design specification must be developed from the design brief.

Here is an old set of specifications that can help guide you. This is not split into Design and marketing.

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Humans are builders and creators—but how can we build thoughtfully, without waste? These talks explore sustainable design—both past and present—and its beautiful, inspiring results.

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Humans are builders and creators-but how can we build thoughtfully, without waste? These talks explore sustainable design-both past and present-and its beautiful, inspiring results.

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Humans are builders and creators-but how can we build thoughtfully, without waste? These talks explore sustainable design-both past and present-and its beautiful, inspiring results.

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Master architects share their vision for buildings that inflate, float, twist and glitter, while artfully addressing the challenges faced by their residents, their cities and the planet.

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The world’s most influential architecture, interiors and design magazine

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you must know how to use it in your work

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Sustainable designs. Capture a culture -3D house.

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Sustainable designs. Capture a culture -3D house.

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G10_U1_ Sustainable designs_Capture a Culture - 3D House_TaskSheet_ 2018-19

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Quiz - fun 2 learn!

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IB Diploma Design and Technology Command terms Flashcards | Quizlet

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Start studying IB Diploma Design and Technology Command terms. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.

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Criterion A - Formative Assessment check sheet Grade 10 

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The Future of Energy? It May Come From Where You Least Expect (Paid Post by ExxonMobil from NYTimes.com)

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How scientists are tapping algae and plant waste to fuel a sustainable energy future.

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AESTHETICS

Does the product look attractive? THINK shape, form, materials, size, beauty, ugliness

Why does it look attractive or ugly?

Does it make good use of colour and texture?

Does it have a quality finish?

Where did the designer get his or her inspiration for the design?

COST

What is the estimated cost of production?

What is the retail cost? Why does it cost this much?

What is the relationship between the two?

Is the product affordable?

Does it seem good value for money?

Does the price reflect any social or moral considerations (e.g. Fair Trade)?

CLIENT

Who is the product designed for?

How and where would they use it?

What impact does it have on the customer’s quality of life?

Does it add value to the client’s way of life?

How is the product promoted to attract its customer?

ENVIRONMENT

What is the product’s impact on the environment?  THINK batteries, rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, life cycle.

THINK about its manufacture, general use, distribution and final disposal when it is no longer needed.

SAFETY

How has the designer considered safety issues when designing the product?

THINK about the way the product is used and how different  parts have been joined together.

Does the product meet recognised safety standards?

SIZE

What size is it? THINK in millimetres and any thing else that can be measured e.g. volts, weight, area, volume, density etc.

Is the product comfortable to use?  THINK anthropometrics or ergonomics.

Are its proportions appropriate for its use?

If you increased or decreased the product’s scale, would it work or look better?

To what extent has the designer considered human factors (ergonomics) in the product’s design?

FUNCTION

How well does the product work?

Why does it work this way?

How could it be improved?

How easy is it to use?

MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES

What is the product made from?

Would another type of material work better?

What impact could the designer’s choice of material have on the environment?

How has the scale of production affected the designer’s choice of material and manufacturing processes?

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Specification (the list of success criteria) - MUST see:

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A clear prezi explaining ACCESS FM and how it is important to making a great product.

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The difference between Design Problem and Design Brief

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The difference between Design Problem and Design Brief

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Before you can start a design project you must find a ‘problem’ to solve. The ‘design brief’ follows the ‘problem’ and states clearly how you intend to solve the design problem.

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CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE

PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF

DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF

V. Ryan © 2001-2010

The Problem and Design Brief are sometimes viewed as two different sections of the design process. However, they are very closely related. Before you can can start a design project you must find a 'problem' to solve. Sometimes this may be given to you as a question set by the teacher or the Examinations Board and is usually a paragraph of writing. The 'design brief' follows the 'problem' and states clearly how you intend to solve the design problem.

Below is an example of a design problem and brief. Remember, the presentation is important especially if you are taking the Graphic Products course. Above all the problem and brief must be easy to read and follow, clearly saying what the problem is and how you intend to solve it.

DESIGN PROBLEM

A number of houses have been broken into on my street. It has been noticed that the number of strangers walking down our street has increased lately and house holders are becoming concerned about the security of their houses. The police have advised people to make their houses look as if they are occupied when they go away for a holiday or even out for the evening. This may deter a potential thief from breaking into either the house or garage.

The Neighbourhood Watch scheme has also been introduced recently and this has helped people feel more secure. However, even though neighbours will keep an eye on your property if you decide to go out and leave the house empty, they cannot watch twenty four hours a day.

Often even the police ignore house alarms when they are activated because of the high number of false alarms.

DESIGN BRIEF

I am going to design and make a security device that will make my house look occupied when, in fact, it is empty. Police statistics clearly show that houses are much more likely to be broken into when they are empty. Consequently, if the house looks occupied it is likely to be safe.

The device will be mobile so that it can be moved from room to room, easy to set up and control and also cheap to make. It must not be powered by mains voltage and in this way it will be completely safe to be left 'on' for a long time and will not be affected by power cuts. It will be activated by anyone approaching the hose from the front or back.

It must deter even profession crooks from taking an interest in our house and even convince people in the street that the house is occupied.

FURTHER INFORMATION

The brief and problem shown below has been produced for a project based on an educational toy.

THE DESIGN PROBLEM
1. The brief and problem is mainly text (writing) that is printed in a clear style so that it can be read and understood easily. 2. The problem is a paragraph or more in length. It describes the problem you are aiming to solve. Do not say how you intend to solve the problem, only what the problem is. If you have been given a examination question as your design project, add more detail. The example opposite is based on the following examination question:

"Design and make an educational device for young children. It must improve hand and eye coordination".
The problem written opposite is a more detailed and imaginative way of writing the examination question. A pedestrian crossing simulator has been selected by the pupil as the educational device. 3. The first sentence should state the problem, adding more detail with the following sentences.
4. If the examination question does not name the product that has to be designed and made (such as an educational device) - you can mention an area that you are interested in. This could include, jigsaws, puzzles or something that could be adapted as an educational device.

THE DESIGN BRIEF
1. Always start the design brief with "I am going to design and make .....". This is followed by a general description of the type of device you feel will answer the design problem.
2. Do not be too specific. The brief should be a general description that allows you flexibility regarding the type of product you intend to make. For example, if your are designing an automatic animal feeder it may be a good idea not to say the type of animal it is for, at least not at this stage in the project. 3. Do not be specific about materials. It may be wise to avoid stating the exact materials it will be manufactured from (eg. pine, steel, perspex etc...). Instead describe the materials to be used as strong, tough, flexible, natural, manmade, recycled, water-proof or similar general descriptions.
4. Mention points such as; safety, general size, what it will do (it's functions), general properties of the materials needed, who it is for (eg children), basic cost of manufacture or a lower and upper cost limits, circuit requirements and other points you feel are important.

FINDING A DESIGN PROBLEM TO SOLVE - SUGGESTIONS:
A. Is there a product that you could improve for a hobby or interest?
B. Is there an item that you use every day that could be improved? Is there an item that could be adapted for disabled people or young children or the elderly? or another group of people?
C. Ask your friends and relatives. They may have a few suggestions about design problems you can solve that will help them.
D. Do not be over ambitious. Do not select a design problem that is too complex.
E. Ask the teacher for advice and look at completed projects for inspiration.
F. Complete your homework on time. Do not fall behind as you may find it impossible to catch up.

CLICK HERE FOR DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF EXERCISES

HOW TO ANALYSE A DESIGN PROBLEM

1. A sample design problem is seen below. Read this problem carefully.

A local company has found that sales of its educational toy range are falling. This is due to competition from other companies, especially from abroad.
The company sells a range of toys all aimed at helping young children learn. Some are number games and others help children learn the alphabet and to read simple words. Other toys help children develop hand / eye coordination.
However, in recent years more imaginative and interesting games/toys are been manufactured by other companies. If our local company does not design and manufacture more interesting games/toys it will slowly reduce its workforce and eventually shut down.

2. In order to fully analyse the design problem to be solved list the key words / phrases..

COMPANY : SALES : RANGE : COMPETITION : LEARN/LEARNING : ALPHABET : NUMBERS : DEVELOP : HAND/EYE COORDINATION : MARKET : TARGET GROUP : MECHANICAL : MOVEMENT : TIME

3. Take the most important key words / phrases and explain what each one means.

A company usually employs people. They may work in a factory or shop. A company is a business but also an organisation of people who work together in order to be successful. A company pays wages and has other cost but always aims to make a profit.

Most companies aim to make sales of their products. If they do not sell their products they will not make enough money to pay wages and to invest in new equipment and machinery. A company that is not making money is said to be 'in the red'. A company that makes money is said to be' in the black'. All companies need customers as these are the people who buy the final product.

Most companies have to compete against other companies making the same product. Usually the customer decides which product is the best by deciding to buy it, or not. To be successful a company must have efficient, up to date equipment/machinery. It must have well trained staff and manufacture a quality product. Customers must be satisfied that the product they are buying is value for money.

As a child grows up his / her coordination skills develop. He/she becomes better at using their hands and fingers and ensuring that their hands and fingers do what they want them to do. Very young children have poor hand/eye coordination - they have difficulty picking items up. Encouraging children to develop good hand/eye coordination skills is important.

All companies have markets for their products. A market is usually composed of customers of a particular age range or particular types of people. For example, some products may be designed for young children whilst other products may be designed for old age pensioners. Sometimes a company may target certain people to encourage them to buy their product. This is usually done through advertising. A company may sell its products at home and abroad.

Young children learn in many ways. Usually a child will learn quickly if what they are doing is fun or exciting. Many games and toys involve the use of numbers, letters or words. Sometimes shape and movement is integrated into a learning toy/device. Sound, even if is caused by mechanisms rather than electronics encourages a child to learn.

4. When you have fully analysed a problem you will be ready to write a meaningful Design Brief.

Write a problem and brief for a project of your choice. Try identifying a design problem that you have experienced yourself.

CLICK HERE FOR DESIGN PROCESS INDEX PAGE

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CLICK HERE FOR INDEX PAGE PDF FILE - CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF DESIGN PROBLEM AND BRIEF V. Ryan © 2001-2010 The Problem and Design Brief are sometimes viewed as two different sections of the design process. However, they are very closely related.

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I'm on an adventure - to explore the limits of design's ability to solve social problems, big and small. To do this I attempted to solve 50 problems in 50 days using design. I also spent time with 12 of Europe's top design firms.

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How to Solve Problems With Technology?

Inventing what the world needs- that is now Edison described the crux of innovation in technology. Big problems represent even bigger opportunities. To quote famous Canadian ice hockey player Wayne Gretzky, who scored many hits in his time, the trick is not to "skate where the puck is," but to "skate where the puck is going." Building a business or solving social problems with technology. It has come up with the most scalable solutions which can impact business across the world.
Image source: pixabay.com
Whether it is clean energy, robotics, quantum computing, synthetic biology, telemedicine, AI, or cloud education and NUI software, it can solve all the biggest problems confronting mankind. Creating value means coming up with something people will pay for in the real world. Virtual technologies can open up a window of possibilities, given their widespread application. Starting small but thinking big...that is the key to using modern technology to solve the biggest problems in modern-day existence.

So, how can technology solve problems? Can technology pave the way for a better world? Just how far-reaching can "tech for the greater good" be? Let's find out, bit by bit and get the right sound-bytes on how is a technology used to solve problems in the real world.

Note: Become a Cloud Developer
Learn the fundamentals of AWS and Azure. Design, implement and maintain the server, storage, network, and security infrastructure. Become a Cloud developer with our training.

Amazing Ways to Solve Problems With Technology

Below are some of the amazing ways to solve problems with technology.

#1 Go Green: Harnessing Technology to Lower Pollution
Image source: pixabay.com
One of the biggest ways technology has changed transportation and promoted ecological conservation is fuel cell vehicles. These are zero-emission cars that can run on electricity or hydrocarbons. Fuel cell-powered vehicles using hydrogen also have the advantage of being zero-emission. Mass-market fuel cell vehicles offer a range and convenience missing from diesel and gas-powered cars.

#2 Think Smart: The Advent of Next Generation Robotics
Image source: pixabay.com
Robots have taken over everyday tasks. Though technology is still expanding to ensure next-generation robotics goes beyond factory assembly lines and controlled tasks, AI and technology's real application is yet to come. This has made human-virtual machine partnership a reality in the making. Robots have become more flexible, and cloud computing revolutions have led to the creation of remote control.

So, how is this solving world problems with technology in the business world? Machines have been taken away from large assembly lines, and GPS technology has enabled the use of robotics in precision agriculture. Robots are being designed to be easily programmable and handle manufacturing tasks that are tough for human workers. Next-generation robotics is ideal for tasks that are too difficult or repetitive. Progress in design and AI have ensured that humans have advanced beyond a point of no return too.

#3 Additive Manufacturing: From Wearables to Printable Organs and Smart Clothes
Image source: pixabay.com
Additive manufacturing helps in creating everything from printable 3D organs to wearables. This type of manufacturing starts with liquid or powder and builds into a 3-D shape through a digital template, each layer at a time. So, how does this constitute a solution? Well, such products can be customized to the end-user and take 3-D printing into a high-tech world.

Machines can print human cells and find application in the creation of living tissues in fields such as tissue repair and regeneration as well as screening. This is also a step forward in the field of personalized medicine. 3-D printing of integrated electronic parts such as nanoscale computer components and circuit boards is the next step. 4-D printing seeks to create a new generation of products that are responsive to environmental changes such as heat and humidity.

#4 AI: When a Computer Can Learn on the Job

AI involves computers being able to perform human tasks. So, how can we use AI technology to make life easy? Smartphones that recognize human speech or image recognition information technology on machines are just one instance of AI application. Driving the point home further are self-automated cars and flying drones. Machines can now outperform humans. Case in point: Watson, an AI system, beat humans at a game of Jeopardy, and the thinking computer, Deep Blue, could out do any chess grand-master.

As against the average thinking hardware or software, AI can enable machines to respond to transitions in the environment. AI systems can assimilate unlimited amounts of information, and technology solve environmental problems too.

An example is the Never-Ending Language Learning Project/NELL from Carnegie Mellon University, which reads facts and learns new information to perform better in the future. Consider a world where self-driving cars will lower the frequency of collisions. Here are some ways in which machines can take over from humans and do a better job:

#5 Distributed Manufacturing- Factory at Your Doorstep

With e-commerce on the rise and the advent of the digital age, personalized products are the order of the day. It has led to the decentralization of the method of fabrication. Distributed manufacturing encourages broad diversity and speed to varied markets and geographies.

#6 Sense and Avoid Drones: Innovation with Numerous Applications
Image source: pixabay.com
Flying robots, UAVs, or drones can be used for checking power lines, providing emergency aid, agriculture, filming and other applications requiring comprehensive and affordable aerial surveillance. Drones have a reliable ability to avoid collision and create autonomy while carrying out tasks that are too tough or remote for humans to accomplish. Sense and avoid drones can be used for operating reliably in tough conditions such as dust storms or blizzards.

#7 Neuromorphic Technology: Computer Chips which can Mimic the Human Brain
Image source: pixabay.com
Neuromorphic chips process information in a different way from traditional hardware and resemble the architecture of the brain. Miniaturization has resulted in an increase in conventional computing capabilities across the years, but neuromorphic chips are more beneficial because they have the following features:

Greater energy efficiency

More power

Combined data storage, data processing into interconnected modules

Networked neutrons making a replica of the brain

Consider the neuromorphic chip True North which comprises a million-neuron network for creating power efficiency 100s of times more robust than a conventional CPU. Such machines promote number crunching, which is perfect for predicting stock exchange trends or climate forecasting.

#8 Mobile Wallets: Leave Your Purse Behind
Image source: pixabay.com
The market has mobile payment systems such as Square, Google Wallet and Starbucks App. Leaving your wallet behind is no longer a problem now. From Paytm to its PayPal, a mobile wallet has many benefits. It is technology at its best.

# 9 Evolving Video Format: From Betamax to Blue-Ray

It has evolved video formats from Betamax to VHS, DVD, HD DVD and Blue-Ray. Advanced video formats have changed everything from communication and computing to dining, entertainment and travel.

#10 Redefining Communication: Emails, IM and Mobile Phones
Image source: pixabay.com
From emails through Gmail to Windows, Live Hotmail and more, there are multiple options for communicating online. Want to send a greeting card? Opt for an e-postcard and save on postage too! From AOL instant messaging to Meebo, the options are endless. Mobile phones , applications such as WhatsApp and VoIP or Voice over Internet protocol are only some of the reasons why long distant charges are a thing of the past.

#11 Word Power: From Typewriters to Word Processors

Word processors have made so much more possible...from saving work and making copies to enabling editing of text. Spell checking programs and increased formatting became possible. The personal computer has become an essential part of life. Storing information, operating at lightning-fast speeds and storing terabytes of data are only some of the many benefits of using computers for work or personal use. There is so much you can do with computers, such as checking email to Microsoft Outlook, optimizing images through Adobe Photoshop, building digital libraries of musical tunes and more. Time management, handling multiple work tasks and meeting successive deadlines- this has become easy now.

#12 Making the Globe Smaller: Travel Right, Smart Flights
Image source: pixabay.com
Websites such as TripIt organize travel plans including flights, trains, cruises, cars, hotels and a 24 to 48-hour itinerary. Search engine sites provide links to travel sites, and online travel agencies, aggregators and consolidators are there to guide you every step of the way. From TripAdvisor to SmarterTravel and LonelyPlanet, jet hopping was never easier. The airplanes and ATC also use technology to make the journey comfortable. Transport and travel have changed for the better, and we have reached miles ahead from travel books and slow trains.

#13 Technology, the Deal Maker: Revitalizing Small Businesses
Image source: pixabay.com
It has helped businesses to increase efficiency, enhance productivity and increase the customer base. Popular cloud storage services such as Dropbox and Google Drive store data and documents online. Cloud used for business collaborations and file sharing. Social check in tools such as Foursquare and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter can revolutionize and kickstart any business. Get listed online and use services like Locu, which let you display pertinent business information in one place. E-commerce has become the perfect way to do business. There are mammoth marketing opportunities in the virtual world, from e-commerce websites to larger online sites like eBay or Amazon.

Enhancing consumer service through official website and voice mail as well as information regarding directions to the company site and information about shipping has changed the way business is done. Looking for a pocket-friendly alternative to costly business trips? You can use high tech solutions from Skype to WebEx as well as video-conferencing.

Project management tools like Basecamp and Zoho will make handling workers and collaborating on tasks a cinch. Scheduling tools such as GenBook, BookFresh or FullSlate enable clients to schedule appointments online at their own convenience. Understanding your customers was never easier with Google Analytics. Mobile payment tools (read PayPal) have made financial transactions simpler. It has also liberated businesses from print ads. Now there are numerous options for marketing online:

Informational website

Advertising on search engines

Online product sales

Email marketing

It brings business to the consumers and helps them to communicate through online chat and call centers. Telecommuting and flexitime are now perfect online collaboration tools. Teleconferencing enables businesses to reach global consumers and employees worldwide.

#14 Taking Your Business to Cloud Nine: CRM and Instant Responses
Image source: pixabay.com
Cloud or delivering hardware and software services through a network involves cheap and amazingly advanced technology solutions for businesses. Online customer relationship management and subscription-based software as a service provide pay by use basis, cutting down on upfront investment.

#15 Technology and Portability: Mobile Apps on the Go

Mobile is on the move, and apps on smartphones download music and provide maps as well as directions. Well designed apps help you to expand the reach of your business.

#16 Technology in a Business Organization: Optimizing Performance

It helps businesses improve communication, optimize production, manage inventories and maintain financial records. From internal and external business communication to marketing communication, it has reshaped every which way companies reach out to customers and workers.

Swifter, efficient and interactive communication platforms plus enhanced operational efficiency will work wonders for business profits. It makes complex inventory management and organization simple. Minimizing inventory costs and meeting customer demands has become easy too. Programs are available to sync and merge accounting with PoS terminals and bookkeeping programs in that each purchase or sale transaction is well recorded.

#17 Solving the World's Problems One by One: Technology on the Move

Telemedicine: This helps patients in rural and isolated areas communicate with doctors and get the medical help they urgently need.

Multifaceted Tablet Devices: Game-changing tablet devices make it easy to take a business to the next level. Tablet devices can work as an all in one device, from getting the latest technology news to checking emails.

Augmented Reality- Navigating the world through this wave of technology will shape and mould business vision.

#18 Innovations Across Urban Infrastructure: SMART Cities Pave the Way for Better Living

Innovations in technology have reduced the consumption of resources by transforming urban infrastructure into intelligent and interconnected grids. Smart cities have redefined urban living and made it more possible through technology. Smart cities can solve the biggest problems such as climate change, rising population, increasing waste and massive pollution.
Image source: pixabay.com
#19 Revolution in Technology: Moulding Lives, Bringing Change

Healthcare latest technology has undergone a massive revolution. Genomics has changed the identification of disease and its treatments. Networked devices have made the world smaller and ensured that medical solutions reach people faster.

#20 Winning the Hunger Games: Technology Provides Solutions for Food Scarcity

Crop yields have declined due to extreme weather and pests. It offers a way out through genetic engineering and using farmbots. Game changers such as fine-tuning food supply chains through smart technologies and vertical farms have transformed agriculture.

Image source: pixabay.com
#21: Cutting Down on Water Shortage: Technology Makes Every Drop Count

From desalination to energy efficiency and environment-friendly solutions, it has made water shortage a problem with limitations.

#22 Sustainable Energy: Big Technology Breakthrough
Image source: pixabay.com
The ability to produce energy in sustainable ways is the biggest problem technology provides a solution for. Solar to wind, nuclear, and thermal energy have reformulated energy consumption patterns and made eco-friendly energy-generation possible.

Conclusion

Using technology to solve problems does not involve "thinking outside the box." It involves thinking from a different box, one that harnesses knowledge to bring about a radical change. Technology for transformation redefines human life and makes the impossible possible. Small technologies can solve big problems. From famine to poverty, water scarcity to business management, or healthcare to education, it has all the answers...just ask any question!

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It's Tuesday afternoon and you've just been handed a stack of customer feedback forms with a wealth of information and data to go through and analyse before Friday. You look at the forms; there are numbers, scales, and paragraphs upon paragraphs of commentary.

You pause for a moment and breathe. Where do you begin? What can you even do with all that information?

You want to get the best analysis possible - so the question is - Qualitative Analysis and Quantitative Analysis - which one is better? Which will provide the best results?

In reality there are no clear cut answers to your questions. Qualitative Analysis and Quantitative Analysis are both effective tools in their own right and it really depends on what you're after.

Are You An Explorer or Confirmer?

Quantitative Analysis enables you to interpret the data statistically by which I mean you can make mathematical judgements about the data.

This is what you need if you are:

Trying to identify patterns over a period of time;

Deciding how effective a certain variable is; or

Determining the satisfaction levels of a particular service, etc.

This approach is useful because it can provide you with objective information to understand what has occurred or what will occur. Below is an example of a question which provides Quantitative data:

On the other hand the more subjective approach is Qualitative Analysis. Qualitative Analysis allows you to interpret the information in non-mathematical ways and often focuses on the how and why part of the survey.

Let's say you want to discover reasons why customers disliked your service, how to improve a product or why one area of your business is better than another, that's when Qualitative Analysis becomes the more suitable selection for you.

It provides an exploration into individuals' feelings; uncovering the motivations, desires, behaviour and needs. However, the accuracy/validity of the findings may vary due to the subjective nature in which the information and data is analysed and interpreted.

Below is an example of a question which provides Qualitative data:

Validity and Reliability

Quantitative Analysis is all about hard objective data i.e. non-anecdotal information. As Quantitative Analysis is a 'numbers game', the validity and reliability of the data gathered from the customer feedback or survey is much more concrete.

Now I'm not saying that all Quantitative analysis are reliable and valid; the validity and reliability depends on the instruments used and what it's measuring (the topic of Validity and Reliability is much deep, so we'll save that for another post) - what I'm simply pointing out is that given that Quantitative tools use numerical and objective data, the level of validity and reliability is higher than the subjective non-numerical data obtained from Qualitative tools.

With Qualitative instruments and data, you are not able to place quantitative measures against your results - but as stated previously, it depends on what you're trying to achieve with the data that you have. You may not necessarily want such narrow and specific data.

Qualitative data is great to explore your respondents' perception and to uncover hidden reasons why your customers are happy or unhappy with your products. Whatever the reason may be, you need to remind yourself of what you're trying to achieve with the data that you have.

How Much Data Do You Need?

The notion of the 'bigger the better' applies to Quantitative analysis as, generally, the larger the sample size the better the insights you are able to obtain from the data.

Let's say for example, you would like to rate your organisation's professionalism on a Likert Scale of 1-7. You will be able to gain a more reliable perspective of your organisation's professionalism with a larger population.

A larger sample size enables you to be more confident on how the overall population feels and make a much stronger generalisation.

Putting It All Together

In general in the customer feedback process you want to have both Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis because they complement each other.

For instance in your survey you will want to have a range of questions for quantitative analysis to tell you what you are doing well and what you are doing poorly:

1. How good was our customer service from 1 - Very Poor to 7 - Very Good?

2. How fast was our delivery time - from 1- Two Weeks to 7 - Same Day

3. How responsive were we-from 1- Unresponsive to 7 - Very Responsive

You should also have some questions for qualitative allow you to understand how to improve:

1. What did you like about our service?

2. What did you dislike about our services

3. Where can we improve?

Of course, the next time you run your customer survey you should really have thought through the different types of analysis beforehand. So before you go ahead and jump into your selection remember to:

1. Define the objectives and what you're trying to achieve

2. Identify the tools and types of data needed to achieve those objectives

3. Make your selection!

Anything else to add? Feel free to comment below and tell us what you think!

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