← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

Designing and innovation (Component 1)

6 dot points across 6 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do designers communicate ideas, from quick sketches to working drawings?

Communicating design ideas: freehand and isometric sketching, rendering, exploded and assembly drawings, third-angle orthographic projection, working drawings with dimensions and tolerances, schematic and flow diagrams, and digital presentation.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on communicating design ideas: freehand and isometric sketching, rendering, exploded and assembly drawings, third-angle orthographic projection, working drawings with dimensions and tolerances, schematic and flow diagrams, and digital presentation.
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What is a design brief, what is a specification, and how do they differ?

Design briefs and design specifications: their purpose and content, writing measurable and testable specification criteria, the difference between a brief and a specification, and using the specification to evaluate the final outcome.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on design briefs and specifications: the purpose and content of each, the difference between a brief and a specification, how to write measurable and testable criteria, and how the specification is used to evaluate the final product.
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Which designers, companies and design movements have shaped product design, and what is intellectual property?

Influential designers and design companies, the major design movements (Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modernism, Memphis), the work of named designers and brands, design's relationship with society and technology, and intellectual property (patents, registered designs, trademarks and copyright).
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on influential designers, design companies and design movements: the Bauhaus, Modernism, Art Deco and Memphis, named designers and brands, design's link to society and technology, and intellectual property (patents, registered designs, trademarks and copyright).
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What is iterative design, and which design strategies move a product from a problem to a refined solution?

The iterative design process (explore, create, evaluate) and the design strategies that drive it: user-centred design, systems thinking, collaboration, avoiding design fixation and the role of iteration in innovation.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on the iterative design process and design strategies: the explore, create and evaluate cycle, user-centred and collaborative design, systems thinking, avoiding design fixation, and how iteration drives innovation in the NEA and the written exam.
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Why do designers model and prototype, and what roles do CAD and rapid prototyping play?

Modelling and prototyping: physical models, prototypes and mock-ups, the role of CAD and CAM, rapid prototyping (3D printing and laser cutting), virtual modelling and simulation, and how iterative testing of models refines a design.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on modelling and prototyping: physical models, mock-ups and prototypes, CAD and CAM, rapid prototyping by 3D printing and laser cutting, virtual modelling and simulation, and how iterative testing of models refines a design.
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How does a designer research a problem, and what is the difference between primary and secondary research?

Primary and secondary research methods, the use of users, experts and existing products, qualitative and quantitative data, and how research evidence frames a design brief and specification.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on research and investigation: primary versus secondary research, user studies, interviews, surveys, observation and product analysis, qualitative and quantitative data, and how research evidence shapes a design brief and specification.
12 min answer →