[SOLVED] Consumer product development

Outline Submission: consumer product development
Final Paper Submission:

Brief
In week 6, we look at nostalgia and the idea that everything old is new in consumer product development. For our final research paper, we are considering how everything new is also old.

For this paper you will choose an object of design, complete an observational analysis, and then investigate its historical progression and social context. We will be using a combination of object-based analysis techniques developed by Ingrid Mida, in her books The Dress Detective and Reading Fashion in Art.

To begin the project, you will choose an object of design and complete an visual and object analysis. After, you will then research the historical and social context of your object. At each stage, you will reflect on your findings and consider how they come together to form the interpretation and consumption of this object as a form of design, craft, art or a combination of more than one.

What is Object-based analysis?
Object-based analysis aims to understand the physical and social context of an object and its
history. As a research method, this approach combines observation with secondary research to determine the social and historical impact of an object. We interact with objects and consumer products daily, but when we study them, it can be difficult to unpack the multifaceted narratives they embody. When we execute object-based analysis, supported by research, we can develop a deeper understanding of how and object was designed, produced, interpreted, and consumed. We can develop a deeper understanding of the context and meaning.

Step 1: you will choose an object of design made and sold between 1990 and 2022
Step 2: complete a visual analysis and general research of the chosen object- what do you see, what can you discover about it?
Step 3: research the Historical context- what earlier versions of this type of object existed- what led to its development and how did it change over the years
Step 4: Social context of your object- what type of meaning does it have? who values it and why do the value it?
Step 5: Interpretation- do you see this as an object of design, craft or art or a combination
At each stage you will reflect on your findings and consider how they come together to form the interpretation and consumption of this object as a form of design, craft, art or a combination of more than one.

The Object Requirements
Your research object can be an object you personally own, one you locate in a museum collection, or could even be part of the Ryerson Fashion Research Collection. But an object you can handle in person will give you deeper opportunities for observation
It needs to be an object of design- it needs to be designed, produced, sold and intended to be consumed between 1990-2022- no objects older than 32 years for the object you are analyzing
It should be subject to trends, functional considerations and aesthetic considerations
It cannot solely be considered a piece of art- for example no paintings or sculptures, it needs to be something that is consumed and used.
It needs to be an object with a history- other forms or earlier versions of it need to have existed throughout history. There need to be versions of this type of object older than 1950. It cannot be an object with no significant history
For example: the Laptop computer- existed as a desk top computer, a large computer system, a machine to manage calculations and we can continue going back 2000 years to the first version of a machine that does calculations. The computer as a type of object has over 2000 years of history of versions that came before it.

Research Steps and Timeline- follow this breakdown to complete your paper on time
Week 6: Choose an object, look for research sources
Week 7: Fill in outline template. 15%, Due March 16th
Week 8: Conduct Visual Object Analysis and write draft of introduction- – use guiding questions below
Week 9: Conduct Historical and Social Analysis and Research- use guiding question below
Week 10 Continue Historical and Social Analysis and Research- use guiding question below
Week 11 Continue Historical and Social Analysis and Research- look for missing research or context- where are the holes in your information? What statements need support
Week 12 Assemble Paper write up your findings and research using the provided headings and write Part 4 Interpretation
End of term- Beginning of exam week: Edit and proofread your work
Submit: April 20th *this is a hard deadline*

Formatting
The final paper should be between 1800 words – 3000 words- if you go over be sure you have edited well and your writing is concise and you are not drifting into interesting but not relevant information
Use the template provided for the outline submission and for the final paper, it is strongly recommended that you use the headings listed below to ensure your information is clear and easy to identify in the marking process.
This is a formal paper so please follow APA formatting and citations. See Owl Purdue for guidance. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
The guiding questions listed below are there to act as prompts to help you with your research and writing. If you are simply answering no or yes with nothing to elaborate, then your object is probably not the best choice for this assignment.

Assignment Components
Outline
Due: 11:59pm March 16th
15% of final mark
Fill in the outline template and submit
Final Paper
Due: 11:59pm April 20th
Organize your paper using the headings below
Overall formatting and cite using MLA
Organize your paper using these headings, do not include the guiding questions

Introduction
500 words- 1 page single spaced
Introduce us to your object.
Guiding questions- consider these when researching your object
What is the object?
What is it used for?
Where is it sold/purchased/consumed in present day?
What market level is it directed at- luxury, middle, low…?
What is interesting or unique about the object?
Why did you choose it as an object of design worth studying?

Part 1: Object analysis
300 word- 2 pages single spaced
Include an Image of your object and identify the source of the objects (your home, museum, research collection). Execute a factual visual analysis of what you can observe. Look at your object from all angles, make notes and write a description of it.
Guiding questions- consider these when observing your object
What materials is it constructed out of?
How was it constructed/ assembled?
Is it made by hand or mass produced by mechanization?
What are the main components, parts and dimensions?
Does the object have a function? What are the functional features?
What are the aesthetic features?
Are the aesthetics or functional capabilities more important in this object?
Does the object have special features- like technology?
What is the quality of the object- is it made to last or is it disposable?
Is it sustainable? Is it meant to last or consumed and disposed of?

Once you have finished, reflect on your observations before beginning your supporting research. Consider if you have any lingering questions about the object that need to be added to the list of research guiding questions below

Part 2: Historical Progression of the Object
500 word- 2 page single spaced
Utilizing secondary research, examine the historical origins and progression development of your object.
Guiding questions- consider these when researching your object
Origin- When did a version of this product first appear?- some version of this type of object must exist before 1950 or your object is not appropriate
How many different versions of this product have existed?
Were any of the versions more significant or impactful?
Who was the primary target market for this product?
How did the design of this object change throughout history? What led to the creation of your version? Why does it exist?
Was it consumed differently in different locations and by different social or cultural groups?
Note* If your object has a long history with many different versions of the product, choose 2 historical versions of the object to focus on for your analysis

Part 3: Social Context of the Object
500 word- 2 pages single spaced
Guiding questions- consider these when researching your object
How has it been interpreted and valued by those consuming it? What meaning is associated with this object?
Does the object have cultural or social meaning?
Is meaning or value generated by the consumer or marketing?
Is it linked to gender or identity?
Is it associated with any subcultural groups?
Is it used to identify socioeconomic standing?
Is it associated with communicating social status or belonging?
Does the meaning or value of this object change between different consumer groups?

Part 4: Interpretation
500 words- 1-2 pages- single spaced
Share your interpretation of this product.
Is it an object of design, craft, art or a combination of more than one?
In your opinion how is this object consumed and interpreted by society?
What type of value does it have?
While answering these questions, link back to your findings and analysis in your previous section to support your interpretation.

References
Minimum 3-5 academic sources.
Plus additional appropriate sources
Use headings provided when writing your paper

Grading Breakdown
Section Value
Introduction 15%
Part 1: Visual Analysis, with image 15%
Part 2: Historical Context 20%
Part 3: Social Context 20%
Part 4: Interpretation 20%
References and quality of writing 10%
Total 100% consumer product development consumer product development consumer product development