Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

Modules/subject areas covered In year one of the course students will study: • Technical principles of materials and their components including wood, metal, polymers, compliant, smart and composites. • Consider how to use these materials appropriately, how to join them together, manufacturing processes, enhance their properties and apply an appropriate finish. • The requirements for product development include aesthetics, ergonomics, anthropometrics and marketing. In year two of the course students will undertake a significant piece of project work which reflects: • Design and making principles to include the use of a design process, influential design movements and designers, cultural changes and how they can influence the work of designers. • Project design and management to include the life cycle of a product and social and environmental issues, the appropriate use of tools and equipment and the testing and evaluation of a solution.