GCSE Design and Technology Eduqas

This subject is broken down into 45 topics in 10 modules:

  1. Identifying Opportunities for Design 3 topics
  2. Generating and Developing Ideas 4 topics
  3. Technical Drawing and CAD 3 topics
  4. Making, Testing, and Evaluating 5 topics
  5. Textiles 5 topics
  6. Polymers 5 topics
  7. Metals 5 topics
  8. Papers and Boards 5 topics
  9. Electronic Systems 5 topics
  10. Mechanical Systems 5 topics
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  • 10
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  • 45
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  • 16,768
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  • 2+
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Design and Technology

Identifying Opportunities for Design

Design Briefs and Specifications

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Design Briefs and Specifications

Understanding Design Briefs and Specifications

The Design Brief

  • A design brief is a written plan that identifies the problem to be solved and clarifies the design objectives.
  • The brief summarises what the design project is about and its scope.
  • This document does not provide solutions but sets the foundation for idea development.
  • It includes details such as the target audience, the purpose of the product, the context in which the product will be used, and timescale for the project.
  • Insight: Effective design briefs are clear, concise, and focused.

The Design Specification

  • The design specification is a detailed document that describes the design criteria which the solution must meet.
  • It will often include aspects such as performance requirements, resources available, constraints and limitations, safety standards, and environmental issues.
  • This should be a working document which is reviewed and updated as the project develops.
  • Remember: The design specification helps to check that the final design solution meets all the needs identified in the brief.

Key Differences between Brief and Specification

  • The design brief outlines the exact problem that needs to be addressed while the design specification details the requirements for the solution to the problem.
  • A design brief is more about the why and what while a specification relates more to the how.
  • The brief starts the design process, the design specification guides it, and both together ensure the end product meets the objectives.

Role in Design Process

  • The brief and specification play a foundational role in guiding the design process.
  • They help focus the design thinking, encourage innovation, and ensure design solutions are fit for purpose.
  • It's important to frequently refer back to these documents throughout the product development process.

Extraction of Information

  • Learn to extract pertinent information from a given brief and use it to formulate a comprehensive design specification.
  • This is a critical skill that taps into your ability to interpret information, analyse needs and wants, empathise with users, and align these with feasible design and technological solutions.

Cases of Varied Contexts

  • Lastly, understand that the context of a brief will vary greatly from case to case.
  • For example, developing a solution for a small-scale, local problem will entail a different brief and specification than tackling a large-scale, global issue.
  • Be prepared to adapt your approach to your specific design context.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Identifying Opportunities for Design, topic Design Briefs and Specifications

Design and Technology

Polymers

Industrial Processes and Manufacturing

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Industrial Processes and Manufacturing

Industrial Processes and Manufacturing: An Overview

Injection Moulding

  • Injection moulding is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mould.
  • The process involves feeding the polymer granules into a heated barrel, where they melt into a liquid.
  • The liquid polymer is then forcibly injected into a mould, where it cools and solidifies to the shape of the mould.
  • Injection moulding is used in the mass production of items, including plastic bottles, toys, and car parts.

Extrusion

  • Extrusion is a process used to create objects of a fixed cross-sectional profile.
  • A material is pushed or drawn through a die of the desired cross-section.
  • The two main types of extrusion are hot and cold extrusion.
  • Frequently extruded materials include metals, polymers, ceramics, concrete and foodstuffs.
  • Extrusion can be continuous, producing theoretically limitless lengths of material, or semi-continuous, producing many pieces.

Blow Moulding

  • Blow moulding is a process used to produce hollow plastic parts.
  • It involves melting the polymer and then forming it into a preneform or parison.
  • Compressed air is then used to 'blow' the preform into the shape of the mould, hence the name blow moulding.
  • Blow moulding is commonly used for making single-piece items such as bottles, jars, or containers.

Rotational Moulding

  • Rotational moulding, or roto-moulding, involves heating a hollow mould, filled with a powder or liquid resin, on a rotating arm.
  • The rotation distributes the polymer, coating the interior of the mould, creating a shell with uniform wall thickness.
  • It is a versatile process allowing for a boundless number of shapes and sizes from simple to intricate.
  • Suitable for medium to large sized parts and with appropriate design, complex parts can be produced at a low cost.

Compression Moulding

  • Compression moulding involves placing a preheated plastic in an open, heated mould cavity.
  • The mould is then closed with a top or plug member, pressure is applied to force the material into contact with all mould areas, while heat and pressure are maintained until the moulding material has cured.
  • It’s among the oldest materials processing techniques and primarily used with thermoset materials but can be used with certain thermoplastics.

Understanding Additives

  • Additives are components added to the basic polymer to change its characteristics or behaviour.
  • Some commonly used additives are plasticisers, which increase flexibility, and flame retardants, which reduce flammability.
  • Other additives include stabilisers for UV-protection, colour pigments, and anti-static agents.
  • Knowledge of which additives to use for a given product or environment can significantly impact the polymer’s performance and lifespan.

Note: Always remember that different processes are used for different applications, and each has their own pros and cons. The type of polymer and the end product characteristics will often determine the most suitable manufacturing process.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Polymers, topic Industrial Processes and Manufacturing

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