← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

Human factors and sustainability (Component 1)

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

What are ergonomics and anthropometrics, and how do percentiles shape product design?

Ergonomics and human factors, anthropometric data and percentiles, designing for the 5th to 95th percentile range, the use of adjustability and clearance, reach and comfort, and how human data is applied to make products that fit their users.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on ergonomics and anthropometrics: human factors, anthropometric data and percentiles, designing for the 5th to 95th percentile range, the use of adjustability and clearance, and how human data is applied so products fit their users.
12 min answer →

What are inclusive and user-centred design, and how do they widen who a product serves?

Inclusive design and design for all, user-centred design, designing for diverse users including disabled and older people, the principles of inclusive design, and how empathy, user involvement and avoiding exclusion shape a product.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on inclusive and user-centred design: design for all, designing for diverse users including disabled and older people, the principles of inclusive design, and how empathy and user involvement reduce exclusion and widen who a product serves.
12 min answer →

What is a life cycle assessment, and what does each stage of a product's life cost the environment?

Life cycle assessment (LCA): the stages of raw material extraction, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal, the inputs and outputs at each stage, carbon footprint and embodied energy, and how an LCA informs more sustainable design decisions.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on life cycle assessment: the cradle-to-grave stages of extraction, manufacture, distribution, use and disposal, the environmental inputs and outputs at each, carbon footprint and embodied energy, and how an LCA guides more sustainable design.
12 min answer →

What social, moral and ethical issues surround product design and manufacture?

The social, moral and ethical issues in design and manufacture: fair trade and ethical sourcing, labour and working conditions, planned obsolescence and consumerism, the impact of technology on society and employment, and the designer's wider responsibility.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on the social, moral and ethical issues in design and manufacture: fair trade and ethical sourcing, labour and working conditions, planned obsolescence and consumerism, the impact of technology on employment and society, and the designer's wider responsibility.
12 min answer →

What are the 6 Rs, and how does sustainable design reduce a product's impact?

The 6 Rs of sustainability (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle), design for disassembly, the sustainability of materials and resources, renewable and finite resources, and how sustainable design choices reduce environmental impact across a product's life.
A focused answer to Eduqas A-Level Product Design on the 6 Rs of sustainability and sustainable design: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle, design for disassembly, renewable and finite resources, and how design choices reduce a product's environmental impact.
12 min answer →