17. Mechanical Construction

The purpose of the product definition is to characterise the relationship of the product with its environment. The relationship between the product's mechanical construction and the environment begins the moment it leaves the factory gate or is removed from its packaging.

Aesthetics

A product must be appropriate to its environment. Consequently it is necessary to define particular requirements affecting the acceptability of the product in the environment within which it is to be used. Typical considerations, though not necessarily part of the physical construction will include colour, shade, markings. Of more interest within the topic of physical construction are the issues of feel, visual appearance, style. Whilst all of these concepts are emotive, they are nevertheless important to the acceptability of a product.

Dimensions

The relevant dimensions of a product include its normal three dimensional measurements of height, length, width. Shape and weight in addition to over-all dimension need to be considered. To some extent, size and weight can be traded against one another so that a small object of a lower weight can feel as heavy as an object of greater size and weight. Similarly the shaping of an object can deceive the eye changing its apparent dimensions.

Structural Composition

Another key determinant of a product is its structural composition. Such considerations as density, hardness, softness, elasticity, strength, texture may be a factor in the mechanical construction of the product.