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This lesson examines the two main drivers of product development: technology push and market pull. Understanding these concepts is essential for AQA GCSE Design and Technology (8552), Section 3.1.1, and they frequently appear in exam questions about why new products are developed.
Technology push occurs when a new technology, material or process is developed and designers then find ways to apply it in products. The innovation comes from research and development (R&D) rather than direct consumer demand.
| Technology | Product Application | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Graphene | Lightweight, strong components for sports equipment | Discovered in 2004; now used in tennis rackets, helmets |
| Touchscreen technology | Smartphones, tablets, interactive kiosks | Developed in labs before any consumer demand existed |
| 3D printing | Rapid prototyping, custom prosthetics, architectural models | The technology drove the applications, not vice versa |
| GORE-TEX fabric | Waterproof, breathable jackets and shoes | Developed by Bob Gore; the market did not ask for it |
| Shape memory alloys (SMAs) | Self-adjusting spectacle frames, medical stents | Material science led to new product possibilities |
| Bluetooth | Wireless headphones, speakers, file transfer | Ericsson developed the protocol before consumer demand |
AQA Exam Tip: Technology push is sometimes described as "a solution looking for a problem." If a question describes a new material or technology being invented and then applied, it is technology push.
Market pull occurs when consumers identify a need or want, and designers and manufacturers develop products to meet that demand. The innovation is driven by the market rather than the technology.
| Consumer Need | Product Developed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Healthier eating | Low-fat foods, kitchen gadgets (spiralizers, air fryers) | Driven by health-conscious consumers |
| Hands-free phone use | Bluetooth earphones, car phone mounts | Legislation and safety concerns created demand |
| Eco-friendly products | Reusable water bottles, bamboo toothbrushes | Consumer concern about plastic waste |
| Faster transport | High-speed rail (HS2), electric scooters | Demand for time-saving, sustainable travel |
| Home entertainment during lockdown | Games consoles, streaming devices, home gym equipment | Unprecedented demand during COVID-19 pandemic |
| Phone battery life | Power banks, fast-charging adapters | Consumers frustrated by short battery life |
AQA Exam Tip: Market pull is sometimes described as "the market identifies a gap, and designers fill it." If a question describes a consumer need or problem that drives the development of a product, it is market pull.
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