Standards of Performance and Environmental Factors
Standards of performance are the benchmarks or criteria that a product must meet to ensure it fulfills customer needs, performs effectively, and maintains quality over its lifecycle.
| Standard | Meaning | Example (Textile Industry) |
| Functionality | The fabric must serve its intended use effectively. | Sportswear must be stretchable and moisture-absorbing. |
| Durability | Garments should withstand washing, sunlight, and daily wear & tear. | School uniforms designed to last at least one academic year. |
| Safety | Fabric must not harm the wearer; free from toxic or allergenic materials. | Baby clothes should be free from harmful dyes/chemicals. |
| Efficiency / Comfort | Garments must provide comfort and allow ease of use. | Cotton T-shirts that are breathable in hot climates. |
| Compliance with Standards | Must meet BIS, ISO, or international textile safety/quality norms. | Fire-retardant fabrics for hotels and hospitals as per safety standards. |
Environmental factors are the external conditions and ecological concerns that influence product design. Modern product design must balance performance with sustainability.
| Factor | Meaning | Example (Textile Industry) |
| Material Selection | Use eco-friendly, recyclable, or organic fabrics instead of harmful ones. | Organic cotton instead of pesticide-heavy conventional cotton. |
| Energy Efficiency | Reduce energy in textile processes (spinning, weaving, dyeing). | Low-temperature dyeing processes saving electricity. |
| Pollution & Waste Control | Minimize waste and treat harmful effluents from textile plants. | Textile mills installing effluent treatment plants (ETPs). |
| Lifecycle Impact | Consider the product’s journey from fiber → garment → disposal/recycling. | Recycling polyester garments into new yarn instead of landfilling. |
| Legal & Social Responsibility | Follow eco-regulations and ensure safe, fair practices. | Ban on azo dyes in fabrics for exports to Europe due to health hazards. |
- Standards of Performance ensure the product is functional, safe, durable, efficient, and certified.
- Environmental Factors ensure the product is sustainable, eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and socially responsible.