In the realm of consumer products, which constitute a significant portion of industrial production, aesthetics plays a crucial role in product design. The three components of aesthetics are:

  • The shape of the object.
  • Its materials and surface finishes (for non-functional visible surfaces).
  • Its color(s), along with their characteristics (exact hue, glossiness, etc.).

The shapes of an object, typically defined by surfaces, are part of the basic product definition (FFF: Form, Fit, Function). Altering these surfaces directly impacts the physical characteristics of the object. However, this is not the case with surface finishes (for non-functional surfaces) and colors. Modifying them does not compromise the functional qualities of the object. For instance, mounting a green door on a red car might make it less aesthetically pleasing, but the car will still run just as well and remain just as reliable!

Therefore, we can assert that the « product » and its components can be viewed from two different perspectives in the vast majority of cases:

  • The FFF perspective (Form Fit Function), independent of aesthetic characteristics, aims to create a perfectly functional product. This approach must be meticulous; for example, if a part is painted, the paint must be considered generically.
  • The FFFA (Form Fit Function Aesthetic) perspective, in which the product and its components are represented in their various colors and finishes.

This distinction is significant, as it is relatively poorly managed by PLMs to date. Generally, the entire product study is conducted at the « FFF » stage, and its variation to the « FFFA » stage typically requires significant work in creating « real » references and product configurations.
There is even a lack of vocabulary to differenciate the parts at the 2 stages

Additionally, attention must be given to (very rare) cases where color can physically impact a component or product:

  • Changes in the characteristics of a plastic material due to the addition of a specific dye, as in the case of mass-dyed parts.
  • Physical changes due to color, such as increased absorption of solar rays causing greater heating when a part is black, for example.

In conclusion, recognizing and effectively managing these two perspectives, FFF and FFFA, is crucial for the holistic development and aesthetic customization of consumer products within the PLM framework.