Product literature

The two components are designed to work in tandem so as to provide more information to the purchaser regarding factors such as ongoing use, how the product functions and what the expected effects over time might be.

[6] While the primary function of promotional literature is to make the product appeal to a consumer, it can also be used as a form of market research by the manufacturer.

[9] Online datasheets and specifications are seen on e-commerce platforms as a means to compensate for the lack of physical interaction that the consumer has with the product.

[10] They work alongside text and images to deliver the promotional literature in a more comprehensive manner that is necessary given the challenges that accompany online shopping.

Datasheets for consumers are usually not made for the same logistical purpose that the manufacturers’ are and are instead frequently provided as another form of promotional or instructional literature to go alongside the product.

This is generally done by supplying certain figures considered to be of consumer interest, such as horsepower output for a car, pixel count for a digital camera, or battery life for rechargeable electronics.

Additionally, datasheets may provide similar information aimed at consumers with various levels of technical knowledge, such as products that relate to medical purposes.

The main focus of pre-development is to gather facts and to evaluate the potential success of the product before financially committing to the manufacturing process.

As the product is in a developmental phase at this point in time, the material will tend to be prospective and plan for the challenges of future selling.

Eventually these practices lead to marketing material and promotional literature that has been informed by the research undertaken during the development of the product.

The goal of operating manuals is to offer the consumer a series of replicable events that they should be able to follow to utilise the product in its intended form.

[19] They will typically contain a written and illustrated guide that outlines the product specifications, make and model number, methods of operation and general safety warnings.

The safety messages and warnings that operating manuals provide are intended to encourage cautious and informed behaviour for the consumer using the product.

There is contention as to whether the terms of website usage are easily enforceable, though the provider of the site still retains the right to take their own action or withhold the service from the consumer.