GCSE Design and Technology OCR

This subject is broken down into 24 topics in 8 modules:

  1. Identifying Requirements 2 topics
  2. Learning from Existing Products and Practice 2 topics
  3. Implications of Wider Issues 3 topics
  4. Design Thinking and Communication 2 topics
  5. Material Considerations 4 topics
  6. Technical Understanding 4 topics
  7. Manufacturing Processes and Techniques 6 topics
  8. Viability of Design Solutions 1 topics
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Design and Technology

Identifying Requirements

Exploring Context a Design Solution is Intended For

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Exploring Context a Design Solution is Intended For

Understanding the Context

  • The first step in design is to carefully consider the context in which your design solution will function. This is about the conditions or circumstances that surround a particular situation.

  • Discovering this context requires you to take into account variables such as the environment, the culture, and the users' lifestyles.

  • Analyse any factors that might affect your design and its usage. This could be anything, ranging from the materials available to the costs of production.

Exploring the Target User

  • A key part of the context is the target user group. You must understand their needs, preferences, skills, age, abilities, likes, dislikes, and habits.

  • A user persona can help you focus your design on the needs of a specific user group.

  • Thorough research will aid you in empathising with the real-life experiences and challenges these user groups face, leading to a more effective design solution.

Studying the Environment

  • The environment in which your design solution will be used is a crucial factor to delve into – this can include the physical (geographical or location-based), social, and economic environment.

  • For instance, if you're designing an outdoor product, you need to account for factors such as weather conditions, durability, or if there are any environmental impact concerns associated with the use or manufacture of your product.

  • Similarly, elements like culture, popular trends or societal norms of the place where your solution will be marketed should also be considered.

Considering Economic Factors

  • It's useful to see how the economic landscape would influence your design solution. This can involve exploring market trends and the economic stability of regions where your product will be sold.

  • The cost to produce, market, distribute, and maintain your design solution can determine its overall viability and profitability.

  • Analyse the possible return on investment of your design solution. This indicates whether it will be profitable in the long run or not.

The Role of Technology

  • Identify the importance of technology in both the manufacture and usage of your design solution.

  • Think about how the latest technological advancements may influence your design. For instance, can new manufacturing techniques make your product easier or cheaper to produce?

  • Consider how technological trends among your target user group could influence their interaction with or expectations from your design solution.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Identifying Requirements, topic Exploring Context a Design Solution is Intended For

Design and Technology

Material Considerations

Different Forms of Specific Materials and System Components

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Different Forms of Specific Materials and System Components

Specific Materials and their Different Forms

  • Ferrous metals are types of metals that include iron and its alloys, such as steel. They are often used for their tensile strength and durability.

  • Non-ferrous metals, in contrast, do not contain a significant amount of iron and are non-magnetic. They include metals such as aluminium, copper, zinc, and tin.

  • Polymers are long-chain molecules that can be formed into a wide variety of products, such as plastics, synthetic fibres and rubber.

  • Ceramics are non-metal, typically mineral materials that are both hard and brittle. These can include clay products, as well as glass, cement, and brick.

  • Composites are composed of two or more different materials, combining properties to create a material that is superior in some way to its components. Notable examples include fibreglass, concrete, and plywood.

  • Smart materials react to changes in their environment, like changes in temperature, light, and pressure. Examples include photochromic lenses and thermochromic materials.

  • Modern materials are developed through the invention of new or improved processes, like carbon fibre and kevlar.

  • Woods can be broken down into hardwood (from deciduous trees) and softwood (from coniferous trees), each with different qualities and uses.

  • Textiles come in natural and synthetic forms, each can be woven in numerous ways to alter its properties.

System Components

  • Mechanical systems include levers, gears, cams, pulleys, and springs, which convert, transfer and/or control movement and force.

  • Electrical and electronic systems involve components like resistors, capacitors, diodes, and integrated circuits, which control and adjust electrical flow.

  • Pneumatic and hydraulic systems involve gas or liquid (respectively) to transmit force.

  • Control systems use feedback to adjust the output of a system, and can involve electrical or mechanical components.

  • Structures must consider elements such as loads, forces, and beams which all impact on how a design is conceptualised and implemented.

Course material for Design and Technology, module Material Considerations, topic Different Forms of Specific Materials and System Components

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