F1.0 Viability of Proposed Solution

Introduction

To develop or not to develop the product – that is the question. Often, the decision not to develop a product is financial – based on a thorough analysis, it is determined that the anticipated income from the product cannot support the anticipated cost of development. However, if a financial analysis indicates that the sales of a new product (when compared to the cost of development) could potentially produce an acceptable profit, you must ask, “Should the product be developed?” But this is not always an easy question to answer. 

A designer or engineer has an ethical responsibility to his client, his profession, and to society. In light of these responsibilities, the designer should consider all potential consequences, good and bad, resulting from development of a product and then compare the benefits of product development to potential negative impacts. Do the benefits outweigh the risks? Is continuing with product development the right thing to do?

The design, manufacture, packaging, distribution, and use of any new product will result in consequences, both positive and negative. These consequences are far reaching and wide ranging. For example, will the manufacture and distribution of the product consume nonrenewable natural resources or produce pollution? How will the development of the product affect the workers that will help produce, transport, and sell the product? What affect (intended or not) will the use of the product have on the consumer, the environment, and society? On the other hand, development of the product may create jobs, use abandoned facilities or discarded waste materials, and improve the lives of people.

The considerations mentioned above assume that the product is well designed and functions as intended. However, another important ethical responsibility of the designer is to ensure that the product is well designed and does not suffer unintended failure. What will happen if your product does not work as intended or suffers a catastrophic failure? Will the failure cause harm? It is important that the designer has the knowledge and expertise, or seeks out people with that knowledge and expertise, to properly design the product in order to minimize the risks of failure.

In this activity you will consider the consequences of your product design, compare the positive and negative impacts, and assess the ethical implication of continuing to develop your product.