#3 Product Selection Criteria

The product selection criteria is super important when doing a commercial project because it is an organized way of keeping the goals of the client and the designer at the forefront of the project. This also makes for consistency and efficiency as the project progresses. The selection criteria product list from elearn helps highlight some common and critical considerations that designer should keep in mind while designing. These include: client preferences/needs/criteria, fire rating/code compliance, durability, ACT, aesthetics, colorfastness to light (scale + pattern repetition), stain resistance and cleanability, anti-mircobial finishes, LEED and WELL, and other considerations (wet/dry crocking, dimensional stability, fabric backing). Developing this list of project criteria specifically for commercial projects is crucial and developing our own list of product criteria is also going to set you apart as a professional designer. 

In my own list of product selection criteria I would have these examples and considerations on there, as well. First, client preferences are so important. Having a client-designer bond is key to developing a project with their interests in mind. This is of course necessary since you are working for and with the client. Even in our studio project we get a list of the residential items that have been requested by client. In a commercial project, the companies is going to have needs, wants, and things to avoid and as the designer, it is our job to advocate for those wishes and sometimes explain why those goals may not be the most functional or cost efficient. The relationship we have and create with them is most important and that is why it comes first. After this, fire rating and code compliance are on the list. Code compliance is a huge consideration in designing. It is always a number one priority, but specifically for commercial design, it cannot be ignored. Upholding code will avoid any lawsuits, and is essential for safety, legality, and project success. As a commercial company following code standards and even guidelines will reduce risks and liability of everyone involved. This includes ADA accessibility and fire codes. Fire safety is essential, as well, and in the pdf on elearn, we see a few specific code that are highlighted. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 is used for fire testing in commercial setting mostly. It determines the flammability rating and how quickly the fire spreads. Government or local laws will enforce places to do a NFPA701 test on drapery due to drapery being the quickest ways fires spread. Also included is fire code CATB117. Similarly to NFPA701, CATB117 is a fire test that determines how long a fire will spread. This test is required in commercial settings with high occupancy and must meet this guideline depending on a high occupancy. 

The other considerations are important for commercial product selection criteria lists, too. Durability, defined by the Wyzenbeek or Martindale test results, determines what a fabric can withstand. Double rubs (Wyzenbeek) are used to determine durability and beneficial to put on a fabric in both a commercial and residential setting. Double rubs allows testing on tearing of a fabric, therefore placing double rubs on a sofa or chair is beneficial because people sit on them a lot throughout the day. Aesthetics and specific criteria such as colorfastness to light, scale and pattern are important considerations. Does the pattern repeat and is it appropriate for the end use? Stain resistance and cleanability are the next items on the list. Stain resistant finishes are a positive in both a commercial and residential setting due to its high resistance of stain. Having high stain resistance finish especially in a commercial setting will all the material to be long lasting and keeps its original look. The negatives that some stain resistance finishes have are some may be full of toxins. Other considerations include wet and dry crocking, fabric backing, and dimensional stability, depending on the use. Anti-microbial finishes is more beneficial in a commercial setting, especially in healthcare setting, due to it being designed to fight bacterial, fungus, and mold. The negative to this finish is that it weakens the fabric after applying the finish. Acrylic backing is both good to have in a commercial and residential setting due to allowing the fabric to be more durable and last longer. Acrylic backing also helps with resilience. There are not many cons to backing other than it being less flexible for a material depending on which backing is chosen. 

These reasons for the items that are on the list of selection criteria is why it is crucial to have considerations along the process of a project. 

ONE STEP FURTHER

One area of criteria that I chose to do a deeper dive on is a fabric’s ability to resist fading or color change when exposed to light, especially sunlight or artificial light over time. Light—particularly UV radiation—breaks down the chemical bonds in dyes and pigments. When those bonds weaken, the color shifts or fades. Different dyes, fibers, and finishes react very differently to light exposure. This is important because it has a huge impact on fabrics and textiles in a project. It is also important so that the color of your fabric or textile works well with the overall aesthetic of the project and design. It is also important so that you can include specification of products and inform the client how to take care and maintain their products after installment or selection.