DESIGN THEORY & PRACTICE
What is the intended purpose of a product called?
Function
What is technological innovation?
The development or introduction of new or improved products, processes or technologies.
What is a design process?
A series of steps used to develop a solution to a need, problem or opportunity.
Name ONE technique used to generate design ideas.
Brainstorming, mind mapping, sketching, SCAMPER or morphological analysis.
Name ONE factor that influences material selection.
Cost, strength, durability, appearance, sustainability, availability or workability.
What design factor considers how comfortable and easy a product is to use?
Ergonomics
Why is design history important to designers?
It provides knowledge, inspiration and an understanding of how designs and technologies have developed.
Name TWO stages of a design process.
Research, idea generation, development, prototyping, testing or evaluation.
Why should designers generate multiple concepts?
To explore alternatives and select the most appropriate solution.
Why might a designer choose aluminium instead of steel?
Aluminium is lightweight and has a good strength-to-weight ratio.
Why should designers consider the target market?
To ensure the product meets the needs and wants of the intended users.
Name ONE technology that has changed the way designers work.
CAD, 3D printing, CNC, laser cutting or digital modelling.
What is the difference between designing and producing?
Designing develops and plans the solution; producing manufactures or constructs it.
Why is sketching useful during design development?
It allows ideas to be quickly explored, modified and communicated.
Why does material selection influence production?
Different materials require different tools, machinery, processes and skills.
A product looks attractive but does not work effectively. What design factor has not been adequately addressed?
Function
How has CAD changed the design process?
It allows designers to accurately create, modify, visualise and communicate designs.
A product cannot be manufactured using the available machinery. What does this demonstrate?
Production capabilities can influence the design.
Why is effective communication important during a design project?
It ensures ideas, specifications and production requirements are clearly understood.
A selected material cannot be safely worked with available equipment. What should the designer reconsider?
The material, production process or available technology.
Why must designers balance multiple design factors?
Factors such as function, aesthetics, cost, ergonomics and sustainability can compete with each other.
How can designers use historical designs to develop innovative products?
They can use existing ideas as inspiration and improve or reinterpret them using new materials and technologies.
Explain the relationship between design and production.
Design determines what is produced, while production turns the design into a physical product. Production constraints can also influence the design.
Explain why communication and presentation are important to successful production.
Accurate drawings, models and specifications allow others to understand and manufacture the intended design correctly.
How can 3D printing influence both design and production?
It allows rapid prototyping, complex shapes and customised products while changing traditional manufacturing processes