A Level Design and Technology Eduqas

This subject is broken down into 39 topics in 7 modules:

  1. Design Processes 5 topics
  2. Design Theory and Practice 5 topics
  3. Materials and their Applications 8 topics
  4. Technical Understanding 6 topics
  5. Specialist Technical Principles (Fashion and Textiles) 5 topics
  6. Specialist Technical Principles (Product Design) 5 topics
  7. Specialist Technical Principles (Engineering Design) 5 topics
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  • 7
    modules
  • 39
    topics
  • 15,714
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Design and Technology

Design Processes

Design thinking and communication

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Design thinking and communication

Understanding Design Thinking

  • Design thinking is a solutions-focused approach that is used to solve complex problems.
  • It is a non-linear, iterative process that seeks to understand users, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems.
  • Understanding of human needs is essential and is derived mostly from research and investigation.
  • Empathy for people's problems or needs is the basis of design thinking.
  • It begins with developing a deep understanding of the people for whom are designing the solutions.

Key stages of Design Thinking

  • The design thinking process has five stages: Empathise, Define, Ideadte, Prototype, and Test.
  • The empathise stage involves gaining an understanding of the problem or situation.
  • The define stage involves clearly articulating the problem that needs to be solved.
  • The ideate stage involves generating a broad range of ideas for solutions to the problem.
  • The prototype stage involves making a physical or digital version of the idea so it can be tested.
  • The test stage involves testing the solution in a real-life context and modifying it based on the feedback received.

Design Communication

  • Communication is a vital part of any design process. It's the act of conveying intended messages and meanings through various modes.
  • Ideas can be communicated verbally, visually, or by using a model or prototype.
  • Sketching and drawing are common methods of visually expressing design ideas and concepts.
  • With the advent of technology, digital design tools have become critical in communicating design ideas.
  • Effective communication helps in iterating and developing the design process further.

Different Forms of Design Communication

  • Technical drawings are a form of design communication that is precise and unambiguous.
  • Renderings or visualisations are used to show how the final product will appear.
  • Storyboarding is a sequential illustration of thoughts, concepts, and ideas.
  • Prototypes and models are three-dimensional representations of a design.
  • Verbal or written explanations are used to communicate design ideas during presentations.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Design Processes, topic Design thinking and communication

Design and Technology

Technical Understanding

Materials processing and techniques

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Materials processing and techniques

Materials Processing Methods

  • Casting: A process where a liquid material is poured into a mould that has been shaped as the inverse of the desired product. Once the liquid hardens, it takes the shape of the mould.

  • Injection Moulding: A manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mould. The mould cavity is created using two hardened tool steel dies.

  • Extrusion: A process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile. A material is pushed through a die of the desired cross-section.

  • 3D printing (additive manufacturing): A process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes.

Joining Techniques

  • Adhesive bonding: An industrial joining method whereby two surfaces are held together by a layer of adhesive.

  • Welding: A fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together, allowing them to cool and cause fusion.

  • Soldering: A process in which two or more items are joined together by melting and putting a filler metal into the joint.

  • Riveting: A mechanical fastening process characterised by the use of a tubular, eyelet-like fastener with a round head.

  • Brazing: A metal-joining process whereby a filler metal is heated above melting point and distributed into the joint between two close-fitting parts by capillary action.

Material Finishing Methods

  • Sanding: The process of using abrasive materials to smoothen surfaces.

  • Polishing: A process aimed at creating a smooth and shiny surface by rubbing it or applying a chemical treatment.

  • Painting: Applying a layer of paint on the surface for protection and aesthetics.

  • Varnishing: Applying varnish for protection and to enhance appearance.

  • Powder coating: A type of coating that is typically applied as a free-flowing, dry powder. The coating is applied electrostatically and is then cured under heat to allow it to flow.

Heat Treatments

  • Annealing: A heat treatment process that alters the microstructure of a material to change its mechanical or electrical properties, especially hardness and brittleness.

  • Tempering: A process of heat treating, which is used to increase the toughness of iron-based alloys. The process creates a balance between hardness and toughness.

  • Quenching: Rapidly cooling material to increase its hardness.

  • Hardening: A process of making a material, particularly a metal, physically harder.

CNC Machining

  • CNC (Computer Numerical Control): A method used in manufacturing that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. Examples of these tools include lathes, mills, routers and grinders.

  • The G-Code in CNC machining is a language in which people tell computerized machine tools how to make something by defining all machine tool paths.

  • CNC milling is a specific form of computer numerical controlled machining involving the use of cutting tools to remove material from a workpiece.

  • CNC lathing involves using a cutting tool that takes a helical path to remove material from the workpiece.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Technical Understanding, topic Materials processing and techniques

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