Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

In the Lower Sixth, candidates develop an understanding of a broad range of materials, with emphasis on the life cycle of products, manufacture and final disposal. This specification also considers the broader issues for the designer including the environmental sustainability of products and consumer safety. Exam Topics: • Designing and Innovation • Materials and Components • Processes • Industrial and Commercial Practice • Product Analysis and Systems • Human Responsibility • Public Interaction At Upper Sixth, the specification offers candidates the opportunity to further develop the knowledge and practical skills. Candidates will continue to develop a body of coursework alongside an understanding of the processes and procedures of commercial production and manufacture: Below are some example pages from an A Level coursework project. Students produce an extensive design and make project. In completing the project the design and make project the students will be required to produce the following evidence. A design brief developed by the students that challenges design ideas: • A professional prototype is manufactured that fits the chosen brief • A design portfolio containing fully documented research and planning for all stages of the project • Market and user research with ergonomics and anthropometric studies • Full testing strategy of the final product • Computer Aided Design and Virtual Reality modelling to support the final design