A manufacturer is planning to produce a new outdoor portable speaker. The speaker must be waterproof, durable, and appeal to young adults aged 18 to 30. It ...
Question 1 Report
A manufacturer is planning to produce a new outdoor portable speaker. The speaker must be waterproof, durable, and appeal to young adults aged 18 to 30.
It can be fixed if it breaks. It cuts in a line. It is used a lot.
The surface of the nylon can be improved by applying a anodising.
Fig. 15 shows the initial concept sketch.
Use sketches and notes to develop the design of the outdoor portable speaker. In your answer you should consider:
- the overall shape and form
- the choice of suitable materials, giving reasons
- ergonomic and aesthetic features
- how the speaker could be made waterproof
- the target market
- sustainability of the design
[25]
Answer Details
This extended-response question is assessed using a levels-based mark scheme. A strong answer develops the outdoor speaker design with detailed, well-annotated sketches addressing all six bullet points. The following indicative content outlines the key knowledge expected at the highest level.
Overall shape and form:
A rounded, pebble-like or cylindrical shape is appropriate for an outdoor speaker. Rounded forms resist impact better than sharp-cornered designs because forces are distributed across the curved surface rather than concentrating at edges. The shape should be compact enough to fit comfortably in one hand or clip onto a bag, with a flat base so the speaker can stand upright on uneven surfaces. The carry loop shown in the concept sketch allows attachment to a rucksack or belt loop via a carabiner clip.
Choice of suitable materials with reasons:
- ABS or polycarbonate outer shell: Tough, impact-resistant, and lightweight. Polycarbonate has particularly high impact strength, important for a product that may be dropped outdoors. Both can be injection moulded in a range of colours.
- TPU / silicone rubber overmould: Applied over the outer shell to provide grip, shock absorption, and a soft-touch feel. Silicone is waterproof and UV-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Stainless steel or aluminium speaker grille: Corrosion-resistant, durable, and acoustically transparent. Stainless steel withstands outdoor exposure without rusting.
- Aluminium internal frame: Lightweight yet rigid, providing structural support for the electronic components without adding excessive weight.
Ergonomic and aesthetic features:
- Ergonomic: Size that fits comfortably in one hand; tactile buttons (power and volume) that can be located and operated by touch without looking; weight under 400 g for portability; carry loop or carabiner attachment point.
- Aesthetic: Bold colour options (e.g. matte black, vibrant orange, electric blue) to appeal to the 18-30 age group; textured surface finish that looks and feels premium; minimal visible fixings for a clean, modern appearance; subtle LED indicator light for power/pairing status.
How the speaker could be made waterproof:
- Sealed USB-C charging port with a tight-fitting rubber cap that compresses against an O-ring gasket when closed.
- Ultrasonic welding of the two casing halves to create a seamless, watertight joint without screws or adhesive.
- IP67-rated gasket seals (silicone or EPDM rubber) on all joints and component interfaces.
- Waterproof acoustic membrane over the speaker grille that allows sound to pass through while blocking water ingress.
- Sealed button mechanisms using elastomeric (rubber) domes that deform under finger pressure without allowing water to enter.
Target market considerations:
The target market is young adults aged 18-30 who use the speaker outdoors for activities such as hiking, camping, beach trips, and garden parties. The price point should be in the range of $40-60 to suit the budget of this age group. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for wireless pairing with smartphones is essential. Battery life of 8-12 hours suits a full day of outdoor use. The compact size and carry loop support an active, mobile lifestyle.
Sustainability of the design:
- ABS and polycarbonate casing can be recycled at end of life if clearly marked with polymer identification codes.
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery eliminates the need for disposable batteries.
- The product should be designed for disassembly (DfD) using snap-fit joints rather than adhesives, so components can be separated for recycling or repair.
- Minimal packaging using recycled cardboard and soy-based inks, avoiding polystyrene foam inserts.
- LED indicator and efficient Class D amplifier reduce power consumption, extending battery life and reducing overall energy use.
Levels-based assessment:
| Level | Marks | Descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 21-25 | Excellent: detailed development with well-drawn, fully annotated sketches; all six bullet points addressed thoroughly; materials named and justified with specific properties; ergonomic and aesthetic features clearly identified and explained; waterproofing described with technical detail; sustainability addressed with specific strategies; design clearly targeted at the specified user group. |
| 4 | 16-20 | Good: clear sketches and notes covering most bullet points in detail; materials named with some justification; ergonomic and aesthetic features identified; waterproofing addressed; some consideration of sustainability and target market; sketches show development from the initial concept. |
| 3 | 11-15 | Adequate: recognisable sketches and notes covering at least four bullet points; some materials named; basic ergonomic or aesthetic features mentioned; some attempt at addressing waterproofing; limited consideration of sustainability or target market. |
| 2 | 6-10 | Basic: simple sketches with limited notes; two or three bullet points addressed at a superficial level; materials may be named without justification; limited evidence of design development. |
| 1 | 1-5 | Minimal: very basic or unclear sketches; one or two bullet points addressed briefly; little or no evidence of design thinking or development. |
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