Factors Affecting Design & Innovation (H1.1, H1.2, H1.3, H2.1)
Name two social factors that influence the success of a new product.
Lifestyle trends, cultural values, demographics, fashion, consumer preferences.
(Links: H1.1 identifies factors affecting design)
What is the purpose of a prototype?
To test, refine, and evaluate design ideas before mass production.
(Links: H3.1 justifies production methods)
Define project management.
The process of planning, organising, and controlling resources to achieve design goals.
(Links: H5.1 manages resources to complete project)
Example of how emerging tech has changed product design.
3D printing allows rapid prototyping → reduces costs & increases customisation.
(Links: H6.1 evaluates impact of tech innovation)
One Australian designer + their contribution.
Marc Newson – furniture, Qantas Skybed; influential in blending aesthetics + function.
(Links: H7.1 evaluates role of designers)
Explain how changing consumer demand has influenced the design of smartphones.
Consumers demanded larger screens, better cameras, sustainable materials → drove innovation in foldable screens, wireless charging, recycled aluminium.
(Links: H1.2 analyses influence of social/economic factors)
Identify two tools/techniques used in evaluating a design solution.
Surveys, focus groups, testing against criteria, SWOT analysis, checklists.
(Links: H3.2 justifies evaluation techniques)
What is a Gantt chart used for?
Visual schedule showing tasks over time; tracks deadlines and progress.
(Links: H5.1 & H5.2 project management techniques)
Define intellectual property (IP) + example.
Legal protection of original ideas/innovations. Eg. Apple patents its smartphone interface design.
(Links: H6.2 analyses impact of design on IP and society)
Case study of sustainable design.
Koala mattresses – recyclable packaging, sustainable materials, buy-one-give-one tree program.
(Links: H2.2 explains environmental considerations)
Define obsolescence and give one example of a product designed with this in mind.
Planned obsolescence is when a product is designed with limited lifespan to encourage replacement (e.g., ink cartridges, iPhones with older battery designs).
(Links: H2.1 explains the factors in design and production)
Explain how CAD/CAM can improve accuracy and efficiency. Define both
CAD allows precise virtual modelling; CAM ensures repeatable accuracy in production, reduces errors, saves time/cost.
Give one example of how poor communication might negatively affect a project.
Misunderstood client needs → product fails. Eg. Boeing Dreamliner delays due to poor supply chain communication.
(Links: H5.3 evaluates communication methods)
How has sustainability influenced packaging?
Shift to biodegradable, recyclable materials. Eg. Coca-Cola PlantBottle, paper straws, compostable plastics.
(Links: H6.3 evaluates environmental impacts)
How did James Dyson challenge conventional thinking?
Developed bagless vacuum with cyclone tech → solved clogging and suction loss → success despite industry resistance.
Compare the role of economic vs. environmental factors in influencing the uptake of electric vehicles.
Economic: rising fuel costs, subsidies, production cost drops → increased uptake. Environmental: concerns about emissions, government sustainability targets → also drive adoption. Both are interlinked in decision-making.(Links: H1.2 analyses social/economic factors)
Outline the steps in a design process model and give an example.
Common steps: investigate, generate ideas, develop, produce, evaluate. Example: IDEO uses brainstorming → prototyping → testing to design Apple mouse.
(Links: H3.1 & H3.2)
Compare critical path analysis and Gantt charts.
CPA: identifies sequence of dependent tasks and minimum completion time. Gantt: visual timeline for tasks. CPA helps efficiency; Gantt helps communication.
(Links: H5.2 selects project management tools)
Analyse globalisation’s impact on design in one industry.
Fashion: fast fashion relies on global outsourcing for cheap production, but raises issues of labour ethics and waste.
(Links: H6.2 impact on society/environment)
Compare two case studies where design factors shaped success.
Tesla (environmental + economic factors) vs. Coca-Cola (social + legal – sugar tax, recycling laws). Shows how external pressures drive design changes.
Successful innovation requires both creativity and market awareness.” Discuss with an example such as Dyson or Tesla.
Dyson used creativity in cyclone technology, but also awareness of consumer frustration with bag vacuums. Tesla combined creativity in EV battery design with market awareness of sustainability trends.
(Links: H1.3 evaluates characteristics of innovation)
Analyse how collaborative design teams improve outcomes vs. individuals.
Collaboration brings diverse expertise (engineers, designers, marketers). Example: Apple’s iPhone development combined software + hardware + design teams for a holistic outcome.
(Links: H4.1 communicates ideas in collaborative environments)
Evaluate the importance of communication in a design team.
Without strong communication, delays, misunderstandings, and cost overruns occur (e.g., Boeing). With effective communication, design teams innovate efficiently (e.g., SpaceX collaboration).
(Links: H5.3 evaluates communication in design projects)
Social/ethical implications of biotechnology.
D-printed organs → solves donor shortages but raises ethical issues (access, cost, testing). GM crops → improve yields but concerns about biodiversity & corporate control.
(Links: H6.3 evaluates ethical issues in emerging tech)
Evaluate entrepreneurship in product success.
Tesla (Elon Musk) → disruptive innovation in EVs with bold market entry. Canva (Melanie Perkins) → simplified design tools for mass market. Both succeeded through vision, risk-taking, and addressing unmet consumer needs.