← Design and Technology syllabus

EnglandDesign and Technology

Designers, companies and design movements (Components 01 and 02)

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do major design-led companies approach design, and what makes their products and brands distinctive?

The design approach of major companies (Apple, Dyson, Braun, Alessi, IKEA, Gtech), their use of brand identity, design language, user-centred design and manufacture, and how a company's philosophy shapes its products.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on design-led companies: the design approach, brand identity and design language of Apple, Dyson, Braun, Alessi, IKEA and Gtech, and how each company's philosophy and manufacturing strategy shape its products.
11 min answer →

What are the major design movements, and how do their principles and visual features influence products?

The major design movements (Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modernism, Streamlining, Post-modernism and Memphis), their time periods, principles, visual features and typical materials, and their influence on product design.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on the major design movements: Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Modernism, Streamlining, Post-modernism and Memphis, with each movement's period, principles, visual features, materials and influence on product design.
12 min answer →

How do iconic products and design teams illustrate good design, and how does a product become an icon?

Iconic products and the role of design teams: the features that make a product iconic (innovation, fitness for purpose, aesthetics, influence), how multidisciplinary teams develop products, and analysing an iconic product against design principles.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on iconic products and design teams: the features that make a product iconic (innovation, fitness for purpose, aesthetics and influence), how multidisciplinary teams develop products, and how to analyse an iconic product against design principles such as Dieter Rams' ten principles.
11 min answer →

Which influential designers shaped product design, and how did their philosophies and products influence later design?

The work and influence of major designers (James Dyson, Dieter Rams, Charles and Ray Eames, Philippe Starck, Marc Newson, Margaret Calvert, Harry Beck, Raymond Loewy), their design philosophies, signature products and influence on later design.
A focused answer to OCR A-Level Product Design on influential designers: James Dyson, Dieter Rams and his ten principles, Charles and Ray Eames, Philippe Starck, Marc Newson, Margaret Calvert, Harry Beck and Raymond Loewy, with each designer's philosophy, signature products and influence on later design.
12 min answer →